Gastroenteritis Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Types of Gastroenteritis

The most common form is infectious gastroenteritis, which occurs when an infection affects the stomach or intestines. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi.

Another type, chemical gastroenteritis, develops when toxic substances contaminate food or water. It may also result from consuming excessive alcohol, drugs, or certain medications.

Signs and Symptoms

The key indicators of gastroenteritis are digestive issues, including diarrhoea and cramps, along with stomach-related symptoms like nausea and vomiting. If you’re experiencing both, it’s a clear sign of the condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis occurs when the immune system responds to protect the stomach and intestines against any harm. It transmits inflammatory cells to fight off infections and correct tissue damage. This reaction is usually short-term (acute) and subsides once the threat is gone. Persistent or long-term gastroenteritis is rare.

Acute gastroenteritis can be triggered by infections or exposure to toxic substances.

Infectious gastroenteritis:

An infection in the gastrointestinal tract can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.

• Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common type, responsible for 60% of all cases. Norovirus itself accounts for half of viral gastroenteritis cases. While it’s often called the “stomach flu,” it is unrelated to influenza. Viruses that cause it include norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, adenovirus, calicivirus, and sapovirus.
• Bacterial gastroenteritis: Bacterial infections that can lead to gastroenteritis include Campylobacter, C. difficile (C. diff), E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus (Staph).
• Parasitic gastroenteritis: Parasites that cause gastroenteritis are giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, and amebiasis (amoebic dysentery).
• Fungal gastroenteritis: Though less common, fungal infections can also cause gastroenteritis. Common culprits include candidiasis and aspergillosis.

Chemical gastroenteritis:

Certain chemicals can inflame the stomach and intestines, either in small amounts or larger doses. Causes include heavy metal poisoning, toxins from plants, such as poisonous mushrooms, chemotherapy drugs, cocaine, excessive alcohol consumption, and overuse of NSAIDs, colchicine, or digoxin.

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers typically identify gastroenteritis based on your symptoms. They will inquire when your symptoms began and whether any recent events, such as food consumption or exposure to illness, may have prompted them.

If your symptoms are unusual or require further evaluation, additional tests may be recommended. A stool test or blood test can confirm gastroenteritis and help rule out other potential conditions.

Treatment

In most cases, gastroenteritis can be treated at home with these simple remedies:

• Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or oral rehydration solutions.
• Continue eating but in smaller portions, avoiding spicy, fatty, or heavy foods.
• Using anti-diarroheal medication. These may help, but always check the label, as they aren’t appropriate for everyone.
• Taking pain relievers – Medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce fever and relieve headaches.

Even though symptoms can be unfriendly, most people recover within a few days.

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if a stool test confirms a bacterial infection. In cases of severe dehydration, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous (IV) fluids or a nasal tube for rehydration.

Conclusion

Nearly everyone experiences Gastroenteritis, but that doesn’t make it any easier. If you’re going through it, take care of yourself and remember that it will likely pass within one or two days.

Sudden bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting can be unsettling, making it feel like something is seriously wrong. However, these symptoms are actually signs that your body is working to fight off the illness.

Most cases don’t require medication, as many infections have no specific cure. On the other hand, some may need treatment. If your symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider.

For those who are immunocompromised or taking care of someone with a weakened immune system, staying in touch with a doctor throughout the illness is important to ensure proper care.

For more information or to address any concerns, book an appointment with us today.