Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Digestive > Conditions > Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More

November 2, 2022 - Updated on January 24, 2023
3 min read
By Jennifer Cumberland, BSN, RN | Registered Nurse

In this article:

  • Causes of Gastroenteritis
  • Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis
  • Risk Factors Associated With Gastroenteritis
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a condition in which the stomach and the small intestine become inflamed. It is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections. The infections are typically caused by contaminated water and spoiled food. (1)

gastroenteritis: causes, signs, and risk factors

Acute gastroenteritis is a common cause of clinic visits and hospitalizations in the USA. Approximately 179 million cases of acute gastroenteritis occur each year. This results in millions of clinic visits, almost 500,000 hospitalizations, and more than 5,000 deaths per year. (2)

Causes of Gastroenteritis

Infectious agents such as Rotavirus, Norovirus, Escherichia coli (E. Coli), and Salmonella can cause gastroenteritis. (2)

Aside from infectious agents, other factors also play a role in the spread of stomach flu:

Advertisements
  • Coming in contact with a person who has the virus
  • Consuming contaminated food or water
  • Not washing the hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper

Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

signs and symptoms indicative of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be a highly contagious disease. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the infectious agent and last for 2 to 10 days, depending on the type of infection.

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Mild to moderate diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Dehydration

Risk Factors Associated With Gastroenteritis

Anyone can suffer from gastroenteritis, but children and the elderly are more prone to complications due to their weakened immune systems.

It was found in a study that rotavirus was the most common gastroenteritis pathogen identified, followed by norovirus, adenovirus, and Salmonella. (3)

When to See a Doctor

when to consult a doctor regarding gastroenteritis?

Consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms of severe gastroenteritis: (4)

  • Blood in vomit or stools
  • Persistent vomiting for more than 48 hours
  • High-grade fever, above 101° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius)
  • Increasing intensity of abdominal pain
  • Severe dehydration characterized by weakness, feeling faint, fainting, dark or foul-smelling urine, and dry skin

Final Word

Most cases of gastroenteritis tend to resolve on their own without any medication, but the condition can be quite draining and the patient does need proper care while it lasts.

Advertisements

It causes major fluid loss in the form of vomiting and diarrhea which disrupts your electrolyte balance and leaves you feeling weak. Thus, it is very important to rehydrate and rest your body so that it can make a full and fast recovery.

Continue Reading Continue Reading10 Home Remedies to Manage Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
References
  1. Chow CM, Leung AKC, Hon KL. Acute gastroenteritis: from guidelines to real life. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3108653/. Published July 15, 2010.
  2. Bresee, S. J, Marcus, et al. Etiology of severe Acute Gastroenteritis among adults visiting Emergency Departments in the United States | The Journal of Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/205/9/1374/2192242. Published March 27, 2012.
  3. Rotavirus – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558951/.
  4. Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes. Published May 1, 2018.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.