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Gastroenteritis
Moderate
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines that commonly causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and sometimes fever. It is often caused by an infection and may spread easily from person to person or through contaminated food and water. Most uncomplicated cases improve with supportive care, although severe dehydration can require medical attention.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Gastroenteritis usually improves with supportive care, but seek prompt medical assessment for severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, signs of dehydration, high fever, significant abdominal pain, blood in the stool or vomit, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency care may be needed for severe dehydration, fainting, or significant bleeding.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines that commonly causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and sometimes fever. It is often caused by an infection and may spread easily from person to person or through contaminated food and water. Most uncomplicated cases improve with supportive care, although severe dehydration can require medical attention.
Symptoms 4
Blood In Vomit
Diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
Causes 1
Gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Common infectious causes can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or surfaces contaminated with infectious material. Certain medicines, toxins, and other noninfectious conditions can also cause inflammation of the digestive tract. The specific cause may depend on the person, exposure history, and local patterns of infection.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk increases with exposure to contaminated food or water, inadequate hand hygiene, close contact with an infected person, and poor sanitation. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to complications such as dehydration. Travel to areas with unsafe water or food handling practices can also increase exposure to infectious causes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, medical history, recent food or water exposure, travel, and physical examination. Most mild cases do not require extensive testing. Stool testing may be recommended when diarrhea is severe or persistent, blood is present, an outbreak is suspected, or a specific bacterial or parasitic infection needs to be identified. Tests may also be used when dehydration or another illness is suspected.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Careful handwashing with soap and water, safe food preparation, proper food storage, and drinking safe water can reduce the risk of infectious gastroenteritis
Avoid sharing food or utensils with people who are ill and clean surfaces contaminated by vomit or stool
People who are sick should avoid preparing food for others until the recommended recovery period has passed
Vaccination can prevent some causes, such as rotavirus infection in children
Prevention Guidance
Careful handwashing with soap and water, safe food preparation, proper food storage, and drinking safe water can reduce the risk of infectious gastroenteritis. Avoid sharing food or utensils with people who are ill and clean surfaces contaminated by vomit or stool. People who are sick should avoid preparing food for others until the recommended recovery period has passed. Vaccination can prevent some causes, such as rotavirus infection in children.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
ORS
Helps prevent dehydration.
Rice
Easy to digest during illness.
Banana
Helps replace lost nutrients.
Toast
Light and easily digestible.
Foods to Avoid
Spicy Foods
May worsen diarrhea.
Fried Foods
Difficult to digest.
Sugary Drinks
May worsen symptoms.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing diarrhea and vomiting.
Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are common causes.
Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps may occur.
Hydration and supportive care are important.
Practice good hygiene and consume safe food and water.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.