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Description About Acute Gastroenteritis

Exposure to bacteria or a virus can cause acute gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu. These bacteria and viruses can cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines, which results in stomach pains and diarrhea.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, bloody stools, nausea and vomiting.

    Treatments

    • To treat acute gastroenteritis, replace your fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. If you are unable to drink fluids, you may need to have fluids given intravenously. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

    Causes

    • Eating food that was not prepared properly or drinking contaminated water can cause acute gastroenteritis. If you travel or live in areas with poor sanitation, you also can pick up an infecting bacteria or virus. Common types of bacteria that cause this are, Escherichia coli, campylobacter, salmonella, and shingella. Types of viruses that can cause this are adenoviruses, rotaviruses and norovirus.

    Prognosis

    • Typically symptoms will improve in a week. Kidney failure and death can happen in rare cases. It is most dangerous in young children and the elderly.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent acute gastroenteritis is to always wash your hands, properly prepare and store food and make sure to keep up on vaccinations, especially when traveling.

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