What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the intestines layers caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis cause is often a norovirus infection, and it is known as the second most common illness in the U.S. Also known as infectious diarrhea and gastro, It occurs by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.

Gastroenteritis can happen to anyone and anywhere globally, but it usually occurs in non developing countries where hygiene standards are not adequate. Adults tend to develop an immunity while it is generally found in children.
Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, lack of energy, and dehydration and typically last less than two weeks.

What Causes Gastroenteritis?

There are several causes of the condition, including viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viruses are the most common cause; Norovirus is often found in adults, while Rotavirus is found in children. These viruses mainly infect the lining of the small intestine.

Cases of Gastroenteritis vary in symptoms intensity. One person may present mild symptoms and recover after a few hours, while others may develop severe symptoms that may last for days.

The bacteria is responsible for the infections and determines your symptoms. People infected must take time to rest and hydrate their bodies with plenty of fluids.

Environment, behavior, and what we eat and drink might play a significant role in developing the infection.

There are some causes of bacterial Gastroenteritis, but are not limited to:

• Intake Contaminated food
• Contact with an infected person
• Dehydration
• Outbreaks
• Reinfecting yourself by accident
• Restaurants with poor hygiene policies
• Sharing food and drink with an infected person
• Surface contamination through Salmonella
• “Take-out” syndrome
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Unwashed produce from the store
• Undercook restaurant foods
• Weak Immune Function

How is Gastroenteritis treated?
Usually, there is no medical treatment needed when the conditions happened by a virus. Hydration at home can treat vomiting and diarrhea. Drink many clear liquids, sports drinks or oral rehydration, a diet of broths, and saltine crackers. Avoid foods with a lot of sugar or fat as they can make symptoms worse. If vomiting and frequent diarrhea continuous after drinking fluids and bland food and experience fever, severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool or vomit, attempt to seek medical attention.