From the Guidelines
Gastroenteritis typically presents with nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever and headache, with the main concern being dehydration, especially in children and elderly patients, as highlighted in the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines 1. The symptoms of gastroenteritis usually appear 12-72 hours after infection and can last from 1-10 days depending on the cause.
- Viral gastroenteritis, such as norovirus or rotavirus, is the most common cause and typically resolves within a few days.
- Bacterial causes, such as Salmonella or E. coli, may cause more severe symptoms with bloody diarrhea. Dehydration is a major concern, with signs including:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Extreme thirst Treatment focuses on fluid replacement with oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte or homemade solutions (1 teaspoon salt, 8 teaspoons sugar in 1 liter of clean water) 1.
- Adults can take anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) after the first few hours, but these should be avoided with high fever or bloody diarrhea.
- Antibiotics are rarely needed except for specific bacterial infections diagnosed by stool culture. Prevention includes:
- Thorough handwashing
- Proper food handling
- Avoiding shared utensils with infected individuals
- Refraining from recreational water activities, food preparation or service, and sexual activities while symptomatic It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent beyond 3 days, include bloody stools, or if signs of dehydration develop, as emphasized in the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Gastroenteritis Signs and Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation Gastroenteritis is a major problem worldwide, affecting various populations, particularly infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals 2.
Affected Populations
- Infants
- Elderly
- Immunocompromised individuals These groups may present with a wide spectrum of disease states, requiring aggressive treatment by clinicians 2.
Treatment Modalities
- Oral rehydration solutions
- Antiemetic therapies
- Probiotic agents
- Better tolerated rehydration solutions These treatment options have been introduced or are being developed to address gastrointestinal diseases, including those associated with vomiting and diarrhea 2.