Gastroenteritis

[PussyCat]

Inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach
and the intestines.

[Tanya Shivari]

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion of chemical toxins or drugs.

Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection but can be caused by ingesting toxins or drugs.
Typically, people have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The diagnosis is based on a person’s history of recent contact with contaminated food, water, or people infected with certain microorganisms; recent use of antibiotics; and sometimes laboratory tests.
Thoroughly washing the hands after a bowel movement or contact with fecal matter and avoidance of undercooked foods are the best ways to prevent infection.
Antibiotics are used to treat only certain kinds of bacteria that cause gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis usually consists of mild to severe diarrhea that may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and discomfort in the abdomen. Although gastroenteritis usually is not serious in a healthy adult, causing only discomfort and inconvenience, it can cause life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the very ill or weak, the very young, and the very old. Each year in the United States, about 1 in 6 people develops gastroenteritis by eating contaminated food. About 1.5 to 2.5 million children around the world die each year from infectious gastroenteritis.

[Sarah]

an illness that causes the stomach and bowels to become swollen and painful