Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : February 25, 2015 12:28 PM IST
Gastroenteritis or in common terms 'stomach flu' is a highly contagious disease. It is the inflammation of the lining of stomach and intestine caused due to bacteria, viruses and protozoa. These organisms are usually transmitted through contaminated food and water or through contact with a person infected with the condition. But certain chemicals and drugs can also result in inflammation. Symptoms of gastroenteritis can be easily confused with other gastrointestinal problems, making diagnosis difficult. And the symptoms may also vary depending on whether bacteria, viruses or other causative organism has caused the disease. Here are some general symptoms that are seen in all types of gastroenteritis.
1.Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of gastroenteritis. When bacteria or virus invade the lining of the intestines, they affect the ability of the intestine to retain fluid. As a result, more amount of fluid is eliminated through feces, making them loose and watery. A person with mild gastroenteritis may pass watery stools 2-3 times or more in a day. In severe gastroenteritis, patients may easily become dehydrated with increased frequency of diarrhea. Bacterial gastroenteritis can also cause blood in the stool.
2. Vomiting: Dehydration becomes serious when diarrhea is accompanied with vomiting. Initially, the infected person may experience 2-3 episodes of vomiting in a day. More than 2-3 episodes of vomiting call for a medical emergency.
3. Unintentional weight loss: This is seen in people who suffer from dehydration due to severe gastroenteritis. Loss of fluids and loss of appetite together that can result in unexplained weight loss. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment plays an important role in preventing such consequences.
4. Abdominal cramps: Stomach cramps can be extremely painful in gastroenteritis. The pain can be described as stabbing or throbbing and is usually not localized. It is felt in all parts of the abdomen. Sometimes, pain may initiate at one site and gradually radiate all over the abdomen.
5. Fever: Body temperature increases as the immune system struggles to get rid of viruses or bacteria causing the disease. The temperature can even reach 100-102 degree F (38-39 degree C).
6. Nausea and headache: With high fever and diarrhea, you may feel nauseated and have headache. In most cases, especially in viral gastroenteritis, the symptoms start resolving on their own. But severe cases present a medical emergency that should be addressed by a doctor immediately.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diarrhoea.
References:
Diseases and Disorders, Volume 2 by Marshall Cavendish Corporation
You may also like to read:
For more articles on gastrointestinal problems, visit our gastrointestinal problemssection. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
