Acute Gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") is a sudden inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. It leads to rapid onset diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and dehydration.
Causes of Acute Gastroenteritis
- Viral Infections (Most Common): Norovirus (leading cause in adults), Rotavirus (common in children), Adenovirus, Astrovirus.
- Bacterial Infections (Food Poisoning): Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins.
- Parasitic Infections: Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium.
- Transmission: Contaminated food or water, unhygienic food handling, or direct contact with infected individuals.
Symptoms
- Sudden watery, loose diarrhea (multiple episodes daily)
- Persistent nausea and forceful vomiting
- Diffused abdominal cramps and colicky pain
- Low-grade fever, chills, and headache
- Dehydration signs: dry mouth, sunken eyes, extreme thirst, dizziness, little or dark urine.
Treatment & Clinical Management
- 1. Aggressive Hydration (First Priority): Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution, electrolyte drinks, clear broths. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary sodas.
- 2. Dietary Protocol (BRAT Diet): Transition to bland food—Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. Avoid dairy, high-fat, fried, and heavily spiced foods.
- 3. Pharmacotherapy:
- Antidiarrheal Agents (Loperamide / Imodium): Controls frequency; avoid in invasive bacterial gastroenteritis with high fever/bloody stool.
- Targeted Antibiotics: Prescribed only for confirmed bacterial or parasitic enteritis.
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus / Saccharomyces boulardii): Helps restore healthy gut microbiome flora.
Red Flag Symptoms (Seek Emergency Care)
Seek immediate medical assistance if diarrhea/vomiting persists > 3 days, high fever (> 102°F), signs of severe dehydration, or visible blood/mucus in stool or vomit.
