Gastroenteritis (better known as the stomach flu) is a disease that occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed. This usually happens when you consume contaminated food and water. As a result, symptoms such as watery or loose diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramping are common.
This infection is extremely common, most often occurring in the fall and winter months between November and March. In fact, one in six Americans develops gastroenteritis each year from eating contaminated food. Fortunately, there are several treatment options that can help reduce your symptoms and shorten the duration of your infection.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually appear suddenly. The most common symptoms of infection include:
The symptoms of gastroenteritis are mostly mild and can be controlled with adequate rest. But in some cases, infection can lead to severe dehydration. Some people are more susceptible to dehydration than others, including:
In most cases, people develop gastroenteritis from consuming contaminated food and water. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a viral infection, but bacterial and parasitic infections can also cause symptoms.
You may be at risk for gastroenteritis if you are infected with any of the following viruses:
While viral infections are the most common cause of gastroenteritis symptoms, you may also get sick from:
In most cases, you probably won’t need medical attention because the symptoms of gastroenteritis will slowly go away with home remedies, such as getting enough rest and drinking fluids. But if you suspect you have stomach flu symptoms and they don’t go away, consider seeing your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also ask questions such as:
Your provider may also order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of gastroenteritis. These include:
There is no single treatment that specifically improves gastroenteritis symptoms. Instead, a health care provider may recommend a variety of treatments to improve your condition. Treatment options may include:
Fortunately, gastroenteritis is preventable. You can prevent infection with the following strategies:
Gastroenteritis is usually mild, but some people may be at risk of dehydration, the most common complication of the disease. If you are dehydrated (or don’t have enough water in your body), you may experience the following symptoms:
If you are dehydrated, it is crucial to drink plenty of water. Severe and untreated dehydration can lead to more serious complications, such as:
Gastroenteritis usually lasts a few days, and most people recover without complications. The symptoms of gastroenteritis are usually mild. However, older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions may experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms.
The best way to improve symptoms is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms do not subside, consider seeing a health care provider for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Gastroenteritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the intestines. The most common symptom of gastroenteritis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Viral infections such as norovirus are the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Although the symptoms of gastroenteritis can be uncomfortable, getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medications can shorten the course of the illness and improve symptoms.
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