Gastroenteritis is a condition where the stomach and intestines are irritated due to an infection caused by bacteria or virus.
This condition often brings symptoms such as vomiting, and diarrhea accompanied by stomach pain or cramping, a fever, nausea, and a headache.
The condition can cause dehydration due to the expulsion of fluids when the person who is sick with it vomits or experiences diarrhea, it is important to keep an eye on the person who is experiencing gastroenteritis for any signs of dehydration. These symptoms include dry skin, dry mouth, thirst, and feeling lightheaded.
Gastroenteritis is dangerous in children as children can dehydrate quicker than adults. If your child is suspected with the condition, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration. Keep your child out of school until the symptoms completely disappear. Have a talk with your doctor to discuss what medication you should give your child.
What can cause gastroenteritis?
- Ingesting contaminated food and water
- Having contact with an infected person
- Not washing your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers
The most common cause are viruses; different kinds of viruses can cause this kind of infection. The most common are rotavirus and the norovirus. Vaccination for the rotavirus and the norovirus is available for infants. Talk to your doctor regarding the vaccines.
Gastroenteritis is also be due to bacteria, although not as common as viruses. Bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and Campylobacter are the common ones that can cause infection.
Parasitic organisms can also cause the condition, but this is an uncommon case. People can get gastroenteritis from organisms such as giardia and cryptosporidium from contaminated pools or from drinking contaminated water.
You can acquire the condition from other ways such as:
- Presence of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium or mercury in drinking water
- Acidic foods such as citrus fruits
- Toxins that might be found in seafood
- The use of medication such as antibiotics, laxatives or antacids
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis#1