PATIENT INFORMATION

Gastroenteritis


What is gastroenteritis 

 It is the infection of the gut (intestines) with virus, bacteria or other microbes. 

 Causes include close contact with infectious people, food poisoning, or contaminated water 

 Leads to dehydration due to diarrhoea and vomiting 🤮


What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis 

 Diarrhoea 💩

 Feeling and/or being sick 🤮

 Cramping tummy pain 


How do you diagnose gastroenteritis 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Stool sample (sometimes) 💩


How do you treat gastroenteritis 

 Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration 💧

 Eat as normally as possible, starting with plain foods 

 Severe dehydration: fluid given into a vein  💧


Why should I worry about gastroenteritis 

 Severe dehydration 💧

 Kidney failure due to severe dehydration 

 Reduced effectiveness of your other medicines 💊


About the author

The i-medics Editorial Team consists of Doctors, Medical Students, Professional Content writers, i-medics Ambassadors and Freelance workers.