When do gastroenteritis symptoms typically subside?

When Gastroenteritis Symptoms Typically Subside

Most gastroenteritis symptoms resolve within 3-8 days, with vomiting typically lasting less than 24 hours and diarrhea persisting for 3-7 days. 1

Viral Gastroenteritis Timeline

Rotavirus (Most Common in Children)

• Vomiting: Usually resolves within 24 hours or less 1
• Diarrhea: Typically persists for 3-8 days 1
• Fever: When present, usually low-grade and resolves within the first few days 1
• Overall illness duration: Symptoms generally persist for 3-8 days 1

Norovirus (Common in Adults and Outbreaks)

• Duration: 12-60 hours in most cases 1
• Incubation period: 24-48 hours before symptom onset 1
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Resolve within 12-72 hours 1
• Constitutional symptoms: May persist for several weeks in elderly patients 1

Important Clinical Considerations

Warning Signs for Prolonged Course

If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, consider:

• Bacterial or parasitic causes requiring stool testing 2
• Non-infectious etiologies (inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis) if symptoms exceed 14 days 2
• Immunocompromised status, which can lead to severe or prolonged diarrhea 1

Viral Shedding vs. Symptom Duration

• Rotavirus: Shedding may occur before symptoms and persist for up to 10 days after symptom onset 1
• Norovirus: Infectivity can last for up to 2 days after symptom resolution 1
• This means patients remain contagious even after feeling better 1

Age-Specific Patterns

Children

• Peak severity occurs between 3-24 months of age 1
• Symptoms typically resolve in 3-7 days 1, 3
• Vomiting is more prominent than in adults 1

Adults

• Generally experience milder, shorter courses due to prior immunity 1
• Diarrhea is relatively more prevalent than vomiting compared to children 1
• Duration typically 12-60 hours for norovirus 1

High-Risk Populations with Potentially Longer Courses

Immunocompromised patients (HIV, transplant recipients, those on immunosuppressive therapy) may experience:

• More severe symptoms 1
• Prolonged diarrhea lasting weeks 1
• Higher mortality rates (up to 25% in stem cell transplant patients with norovirus) 1

Premature infants are at higher risk for severe, prolonged illness due to lack of maternal antibodies 1

When to Reassess

Seek further evaluation if:

• Symptoms persist beyond 6-7 days without improvement 2
• Bloody diarrhea develops 2
• Signs of severe dehydration appear 2, 3
• High fever (>39°C) persists 2