ABSTRACT – Gastroenteritis is a medical condition in which inflammation of stomach and small intestine occurs. It is also...
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a medical condition in which inflammation of stomach and small intestine occurs. It is also called as infectious diarrhea which affects gastrointestinal tract, caused due to viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. It is also known by other names such as stomach bug, stomach flu, intestinal flu, stomach virus, food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea.
CAUSES –
Viral infection: Rotavirus and Norovirus cause viral gastroenteritis
Bacterial and parasitic infections
Contaminated food and water
Certain food like gluten and lactose
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and tiredness
Headache
Abdominal cramps and pain
Fever and chills
Dehydration
DIAGNOSIS –
Physical examination
Sampling of stools
Blood test
TREATMENT –
Antibiotic medications
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
RISK FACTORS –
Low immunity
Age: Young and elderly
Crowded area
Unhygienic conditions
Contaminated food and water
PREVENTIONS –
Vaccination
Maintain hygiene
Avoid taking Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)
Drink boiled water
Avoid eating raw and uncooked meat
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Estimation shows that nearly 5 billion people suffers from Gastroenteritis annually which results in 1.4 million deaths at global level.
Young children and aged people are majorly affected.