Understanding Gastroenteritis or “Gastro”

Introduction

Gastroenteritis, sometimes mislabeled as “stomach flu,” is a common ailment that affects millions of people each year. Despite its nickname, it is not related to influenza, a respiratory virus. Gastroenteritis involves inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines, leading to discomfort, nausea, and dehydration.

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is the medical term for an infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. This condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, though much more rarely, by certain chemicals. The primary symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and nausea, which can lead to dehydration if not managed properly.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

The onset of gastroenteritis often occurs suddenly, with nausea, tummy cramps, and diarrhoea. As the condition progresses, you may experience:

• Loss of appetite
• Chills and fever
• Body aches
• Dehydration (causing a dry mouth, dizziness, and excessive thirst)

Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to severe dehydration, making early detection and treatment crucial in these age groups.

Causes and Transmission

Gastroenteritis can be triggered by:

• Viruses: Norovirus and rotavirus are the most common viral causes. Transmission typically occurs through contaminated food or water and close contact with infected individuals.
• Bacteria: Infections caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are less common than viral gastro, but can result in severe symptoms.
• Parasites and chemicals: Less frequently, parasites like Giardia, or heavy metals found in contaminated water, can cause symptoms.

Stages of Gastroenteritis

• Exposure: Initial contact with the infectious agent, often without immediate symptoms.
• Incubation: The period before symptoms appear, which can last from 1 to 10 days depending on the pathogen.
• Acute Infection: This stageinvolves active symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Recovery: Symptoms gradually lessen, but caution is needed as individuals can still be contagious.

Treatment and Management

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions.
• Diet: Once vomiting subsides, introduce bland foods like toast, rice, and bananas.
• Medications: Over-the-counter remedies (such as anti-diarrhoea medications) can alleviate symptoms, but consult a doctor before use, especially for young children or if pregnant. Anti-nausea medication can be prescribed by a doctor too.

Prevention

Preventive measures are key to controlling gastroenteritis:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after handling raw food.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly to kill any lingering pathogens.
• Handle food safely, avoiding undercooked meats and unpasteurized dairy products.
• Stay hydrated, particularly when traveling to places where gastroenteritis is more common.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention if you or a loved one experiences:

• Persistent symptoms lasting more than a few days.
• Severe dehydration signs, such as very dry mouth, passing little to no urine, or severe dizziness.
• High fever
• Blood in stool
• Incessant vomiting.