Viral gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu," is an intestinal infection caused by various viruses, particularly noroviruses and rotaviruses. This condition leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and muscle aches. The illness typically manifests one to two days after exposure and can last from one to ten days. Infection is commonly spread through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food, or water.
Certain groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals in communal settings like nursing homes or daycare centers, are at a higher risk. While there is no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis, managing symptoms and preventing dehydration are essential. Recommendations include staying hydrated with fluids, consuming bland foods, and resting. Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, thorough handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. Travelers are also advised to take precautions, such as drinking bottled water and avoiding raw foods, particularly in areas with higher risks of contamination.
Viral gastroenteritis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Abdomen, digestive system, gastrointestinal system, intestines, stomach
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Stomach bug, stomach flu
Definition
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a virus.
Causes
Viral gastroenteritis is caused by one of several viruses that assault the intestines. The viruses are usually spread through contact with someone who is infected or with something the infected person touched. Viral gastroenteritis also can spread through food or water that is contaminated.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for viral gastroenteritis include age (children and older people are more susceptible) and location, especially childcare centers and nursing homes, and other group settings (such as on cruise ships, college dormitories, and campgrounds). Having a weakened immune system or not practicing good hygiene, among other causes, can also increase the risk of viral gastroenteritis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually begin one to two days after exposure to the virus. The illness usually lasts one to two days but can last up to ten days. Symptoms may include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, muscle aches, and headache. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in children.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. The doctor may order blood tests and a stool culture. The stool culture will check for bacteria in a stool sample, which would indicate a different type of illness and one that is not caused by a virus. In mild cases of viral gastroenteritis, testing is not usually necessary.
Treatment and Therapy
There is no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. (Antibiotics are not helpful for infections caused by any virus.) However, there are several things one can do to be more comfortable and avoid dehydration.
One should ingest fluids to replace those lost during the illness by having small sips of water, sucking on ice chips, or drinking clear soda or decaffeinated sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Children should be given an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte) instead of water.
One should gradually begin eating bland foods, such as toast, crackers, bananas, rice, chicken, and potatoes, and avoid dairy products, caffeine, fatty foods, and spicy foods until feeling better. Breastfeeding infants who are sick should continue with breastfeeding; if the sick infant is bottle-fed, they should receive oral rehydration solution or formula.
One should rest while sick and contact a doctor if unable to keep fluids down for twenty-four hours or if having symptoms such as vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, or a fever higher than 101° Fahrenheit. Other symptoms requiring medical attention are vomiting for more than two days and having signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or light-headedness, excessive thirst or dry mouth, or dark urine or little or no urine).
For children, one should contact a doctor if the child is under six months of age, has a fever of 102° F or higher, seems tired or irritable, has bloody diarrhea, has stomach pain, or has signs of dehydration (such as unusual drowsiness or dry lips and mouth, no tears when crying, dark urine or not urinating much for example, no wet diaper in three hours or feeling thirsty but vomiting after drinking fluids).
Prevention and Outcomes
There are several steps one can take to prevent viral gastroenteritis. If possible, one should avoid contact with people who have the condition; wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap (and help children wash their hands thoroughly); use bleach to disinfect contaminated surfaces in the home, including toilets and sink faucets; and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, towels, and drinking glasses.
Also, one should take special care when traveling to countries more likely to have contaminated food and water. Experts recommend that travelers drink only bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and avoid eating raw foods, including vegetables.
Bibliography
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"Definition & Facts for Viral Gastroenteritis ('Stomach Flu')." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, May 2018, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/definition-facts. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
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