Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (GE) is an inflammation of both the stomach and intestinal lining, usually caused by a virus, bacterium, or parasite. It is commonly referred to as the stomach flu or a stomach and intestinal infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. The condition is often short-lived, but can sometimes be severe and lead to dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (sometimes with blood and mucus in the stool in the case of a bacterial infection)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Feeling sick, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, headache

A virus is usually the cause of a gastrointestinal infection; this is referred to as a viral infection. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and often occurs in epidemics, mainly between October and May.

Gastroenteritis can also be caused by bacteria, but this is less common. The bacteria form “spores” that can survive for long periods and are resistant to heat, freezing, drought, alcohol, and household cleaning products.

Finally, the infection can also be caused by parasites.

The diagnosis can be made based on the patient's history (the medical history) and a physical examination.

In addition, a blood test is usually performed to detect, among other things, signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

A stool sample is cultured to check for a bacterial infection. If bacteria are cultured, targeted treatment with antibiotics can be administered (if necessary). It is also possible to test the stool sample for the most common viruses, although in practice this is not usually done in adults. Furthermore, it is also possible to examine the stool sample under a microscope for the presence of parasites.

Usually, it is enough to “let the illness run its course” and get plenty of rest. If you lose a lot of fluid due to vomiting and diarrhea, this can lead to dehydration. In this case, it is necessary to receive additional fluids through an IV. In addition, medication is often prescribed to relieve symptoms, such as fever reducers, anti-nausea medication, and/or anti-diarrheal medication. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed when a bacterial infection is present.