What Are the Causes of Acute Gastroenteritis in Humans?

Acute gastroenteritis is an uncomfortable condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. There are several different causes for gastroenteritis, and it can strike quickly at any age. Fortunately, it is not typically life-threatening.

Gastroenteritis

• Acute gastroenteritis is an uncomfortable and disruptive inflammation of some or all of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is relatively common in children, but it usually subsides on its own with rest, fluids and a bit of fasting.

Symptoms

• Gastroenteritis is normally accompanied by painful cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you are suffering from an acute inflammation, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Viral Causes

• Colloquially referred to as the "stomach flu," viral gastroenteritis can be passed from one infected individual to another with relative ease.

Food Causes

• Sometimes, extremely spicy or unfamiliar food can cause a short bout of acute gastroenteritis. This happens regularly in young children. Food contaminated with bacteria can also cause inflammation. Drinking plenty of fluid and avoiding food for a while can help ease the symptoms.

Medications and Toxins

• Medications such as Singulair can cause gastroenteritis as a side effect. Also, ingesting certain pesticides and cleaning supplies can cause gastroenteritis, among other obvious side effects of ingesting chemicals.