What causes gastroenteritis? The stomach flu is so frequent and we have no idea why it happens. Learn all the details you need.
Gastroenteritis is an infection that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach and intestines. It is caused by the consumption of contaminated food and water, or by having contact with an infected person.
Gastroenteritis is a disease of the digestive system that affects the stomach and intestines. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, although it is sometimes caused by parasitic infections or non-infectious diseases such as Crohn’s disease. In fact, certain cases are associated with the ingestion of some drugs and toxic substances.
When it happens to children, most cases are due to rotavirus. In contrast, in adults it is usually caused by norovirus3 and Campylobacter. These microorganisms are usually contracted by contact with infected people or by consuming contaminated food and water. Although anyone can suffer from it, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to developing it.
The acute picture of the disease can last between one and three days. Only minimal cases lead to complications such as severe dehydration. In general, rehydration solutions and some drugs help speed up the recovery process.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is a condition whose main characteristic is inflammation or irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and the small and large intestine. It causes vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to abdominal pain, moderate fever, dehydration and headaches.
Viruses (especially rotavirus) and bacteria of the Escherichia coli and Campylobacter species are usually the most common causes. However, other pathogens that affect the disease exist. Even, to a lesser extent, it may have its origin in a non-infectious cause
The disease is more common in children, since their immune system is not fully developed and their hygiene tends to be poor. Even so, it can be recurrent in those people who suffer from pathologies that compromise the functions of the immune system.
The greatest risk of infection occurs during the rainy seasons or during winter, due to the decrease in water quality. Despite this, there can be outbreaks at any time of the year, since there are other ways to contract the microorganisms that cause it.
What causes gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is caused by inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach and intestines. It can have its origin in different viral and bacterial infections, although it also has non-infectious causes such as Crohn’s disease and the use of medications.
Pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, are the main causes of gastroenteritis. However, the disease can occur from parasitic infections and non-infectious causes.
Viruses causing gastroenteritis
- Rotavirus.
- Norovirus.
- Adenovirus.
- Astrovirus.
Rotavirus is the main infectious agent in children. In addition, viruses are responsible for more than 70% of infectious diarrhea in childhood, since minors do not have an immune system as competent as that of an adult.
Bacteria that cause gastroenteritis
- Escherichia Coli.
- Campylobacter jejuni.
- Salmonella.
- Clostridium difficile.
- Vibrio cholerae.
Bacteria often cause gastroenteritis from food contamination. If you keep the food at room temperature, the bacteria will manage to proliferate and the chances of contracting an infection will increase
For example, Campylobacter jejuni especially contaminates raw or undercooked meat. Cholera, caused by V. cholerae, is transmitted through contaminated food or water. The countries of Africa and Asia is a main cause of this disease.
Parasites
There are some types of parasites that have also been associated with the development of gastroenteritis, especially during childhood. In fact, it is estimated that 10% of cases in children are the consequence of infections by Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium.
Non-infectious causes
There are many non-infectious causes that can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the most frequent are the consumption of gluten (in patients with celiac disease), Crohn’s disease and the use of medications such as NSAIDs. Other non-infectious causes include the following
- Ciguatera poisoning.
- Scombroidosis associated with the consumption of certain spoiled fish.
- Tetradotoxin poisoning.
- Food intolerances (make symptoms worse).
What are the routes of transmission?
The microorganisms that cause gastroenteritis can be contracted through different routes. The most common is that it occurs through physical contact with infected people or ingesting contaminated water or food.
Transmission happens due to poor hygiene and malnutrition, which usually occurs in children. Likewise, it can occur by manipulating or sharing items of personal use of an infected person.
Risk factors
Gastroenteritis can affect anyone regardless of age, race, or history of the disease. In fact, it occurs frequently in both developed and developing countries. Some populations at risk include the following:
- Young children going to child care centers or elementary schools.
- Older adults whose immune systems have been weakened by age.
- Patients with a weak immune system due to infections such as HIV, chemotherapy, or other diseases.
- People who work in endemic areas.
- People who are under long-term treatment with certain drugs.
- Adults who consume alcoholic beverages in excess.
Symptoms
Gastroenteritis is also called the stomach flu, but it has nothing to do with the flu. In this condition, the stomach and intestines are affected, which triggers the following symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Moderate fever.
- Bloody stools.
- Loss of appetite.
- Chills and sweating.
- Muscle pain.
- Feeling of fatigue.
- Weight loss.
Complications
The most common complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration from diarrhea. This symptom can be mild, moderate, or severe. In the moderate and severe form, the following clinical manifestations appear:
- Hollow eyes.
- Lack of tears.
- Dry mouth.
- The person is less active.
- Its skin turgor is poor.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the diagnosis of gastroenteritis is obvious just by evaluating the symptoms. However, the doctor may suggest some additional tests to rule out other diseases. In the same way, an interrogation will be made and the clinical history will be taken into account. Tests may include a stool test or sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment
In many cases there is no specific medical treatment for gastroenteritis. In general, the goal is to avoid severe cases of dehydration, which are the most serious complication. Therefore, the therapeutic measures are mainly based on rehydration and a good diet.
Rehydration fluids and solutions
Fluid and electrolyte replacement is key to overcoming gastroenteritis. Even if the person is vomiting, you need to do everything you can to adequately hydrate. If the diarrhea is mild, just increase your water intake.
On the other hand, if the symptoms are intense and prolonged, it is best to administer a drink that contains electrolytes, such as sports drinks or serum. Treat the most extreme situations, such as those with excessive vomiting and diarrhea, using intravenous rehydration. For this, it is necessary to go to the hospital.
Fluid and electrolyte replacement is the fundamental component in the treatment of gastroenteritis. It is necessary to increase the consumption of water, whey, broths and other healthy drinks.
Medicines
In case of moderate vomiting, the professional may suggest the use of oral drugs for nausea. You can treat severe vomiting with IV medications or suppositories. Only in case of prolonged diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe antidiarrheals such as diphenoxylate or loperamide. Do not give these in children under the age of two.
Although bacteria are common causes of gastroenteritis, you need to avoid the use of antibiotic medications. The reason is that they can make diarrhea worse or stimulate the growth of bacteria resistant to antibiotics. However, in some cases these drugs are great, especially if the cause is bacteria such as Campylobacter, Shigella and Vibrio.
Feeding
Maintain a normal diet and reduce the intake of sugars, fatty foods, dairy and acidic foods. In the first 12 hours go on a liquid diet; then, as symptoms improve, introduce easily digestible solids.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacterial cultures that help build up the “good” bacteria in your gut. Its consumption is a good complement to treat gastroenteritis, since it can shorten the duration of diarrhea and favors the health of the gastrointestinal tract. However, they cannot prevent the most serious consequences of the disease.
Prognosis
The prognosis for gastroenteritis is usually favorable after providing adequate rehydration in patients. In fact, in most cases, the patient needs no medication. However, immunosuppressed patients, infants, and older adults can have serious complications because their immune systems are not in the best condition.
In the aforementioned cases, or when other diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure exist simultaneously, there may be a severe dehydration crisis that leads to hospitalization. Remember that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), gastroenteritis and diarrheal diseases represent the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age.
Prevention
Hygiene is a determining factor in preventing gastroenteritis. If there is a person with gastroenteritis in the house, hygienic measures are the main way to prevent its spread. Some prevention tips are as follows:
- Clean the toilet frequently with disinfectant.
- Avoid sharing towels and utensils with people who have any symptoms of gastroenteritis.
- Insist on frequent hand washing of family members. This habit reduces the incidence of gastroenteritis by up to 30%.
- Avoid eating foods that do not offer sanitary guarantees such as those sold on the street, for example.
- Always drink treated, boiled or bottled water.
- Wash and sanitize vegetables and fruits before eating them.
- Refrigerate foods, such as cheeses, milk, butter, cream, meats.
Rotavirus vaccination programs are currently underway and are very effective globally. Its administration in populations at risk may be key to preventing the spread of this disease.
To summarize, gastroenteritis is a disease that often presents with mild or moderate symptoms. Although few cases lead to serious complications, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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