From the Guidelines
No, nausea, sore throat, and congestion are not exclusive to viral gastroenteritis and can occur with various conditions, including respiratory infections like COVID-19, as noted in the 2020 AGA Institute Rapid Review 1. These symptoms can be present in different combinations and may not always be related to viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis typically causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, but significant sore throat or congestion are more commonly associated with upper respiratory infections. Some key points to consider include:
- The 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea highlight that most acute diarrhea episodes in previously healthy individuals are self-resolving and of viral or unknown etiology 1.
- The 2020 AGA Institute Rapid Review of the gastrointestinal and liver manifestations of COVID-19 notes that GI symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea, may precede other COVID-19 symptoms, and COVID-19 testing should be considered in high-prevalence settings 1.
- It's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are severe, persistent, or concerning, as identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate treatment. Over-the-counter medications can help manage individual symptoms while recovering, but a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of action.
From the Research
Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis
- The common signs and symptoms associated with viral gastroenteritis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dehydration 2.
- The infections commonly involved in viral gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus, cause non-bloody diarrhea 2.
- Other symptoms like nausea, sore throat, and congestion are not typically highlighted as primary symptoms of viral gastroenteritis in the provided study 2.
- However, it is essential to note that viral gastroenteritis can present with a range of symptoms, and individual experiences may vary 2.
Associated Infections and Symptoms
- Certain viral infections, such as herpes virus and cytomegalovirus, are associated with ulcerative GI disease and bloody diarrhea, particularly in immunocompromised individuals 2.
- Hepatitis viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, herpesvirus 8, and human papillomavirus have been involved in benign and malignant diseases, but their primary symptoms are not limited to nausea, sore throat, and congestion 2.
Diagnosis and Management
- The study aims to aid primary care physicians and hospitalists in diagnosing and treating patients with viral gastroenteritis by covering common symptoms and important aspects of each viral infection 2.
- While nausea, sore throat, and congestion may not be the primary symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, they can still be present in some cases, and a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan should be considered 2.