Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually from a virus or bacterial/parasitic infection. It causes diarrhoea, vomiting, and belly cramps. Most cases settle in a few days. In small children, older adults, and people with chronic illness, dehydration is the main danger.

Causes

• Viruses — rotavirus (children), norovirus (often in outbreaks), adenovirus.
• Bacteria — E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio.
• Parasites — Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery).
• Food toxins — Staphylococcus, Bacillus cereus.

Symptoms

• Watery or loose stools; sometimes blood or mucus (dysentery).
• Vomiting.
• Belly cramps.
• Low-grade fever.
• Dehydration signs if severe.

Red flags — go to hospital

• Blood in stool; high fever.
• Severe abdominal pain or distension.
• Dehydration: very dry mouth, no urine for many hours, drowsiness.
• Persistent symptoms beyond 5-7 days.
• A young child who is lethargic, refusing fluids, not wetting nappies.
• An elderly person who suddenly becomes confused.

Care

• ORS — the mainstay. Home mix: 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt in 1 litre clean water.
• Zinc for 10-14 days in children under 5.
• Plain food when tolerated; keep breastfeeding infants.
• Avoid strong sugary drinks or fruit juices.
• Don't use anti-motility drugs in bloody diarrhoea or in small children.
• Antibiotics only on prescription — most cases are viral and self-limiting.

Prevention

• Handwashing with soap.
• Clean (boiled/filtered) water.
• Food safety — cooked hot, clean utensils, no raw/cut food from unsafe sources.
• Rotavirus vaccine in infants (part of UIP).
• Isolate soiled laundry and clean surfaces during household outbreaks.