Gastroenteritis — irritation and/or inflammation of the stomach and intestines — is a common cause for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include a low grade fever, bloating, and cramping.
Lots of things can cause a bout of gastroenteritis, but the two most common culprits are viruses and bacteria. Bacterial versions can last a week or more; viral versions are mild in comparison and last just a few days.
- Some bacterial causes of gastroenteritis can include: E. coli, salmonella.
- Some viral causes of gastroenteritis can include: adenoviruses, rotaviruses, and noroviruses.
In fact, the norovirus (also known as Norwalk virus or Norwalk-like virus) is the number one cause for gastroenteritis — about twenty-three million cases per year. This virus also made news for outbreaks of gastroenteritis on cruise ships.
Gastroenteritis can also be caused by parasites (like giardia), chemicals and heavy metals (like arsenic, lead, and mercury), certain medications, and some food allergies (like lactose intolerance).
It can be very easy to confuse gastroenteritis with other digestive issues like food poisoning. Finding the source of the vomiting and diarrhea can help your doctor make a diagnosis and figure out a treatment plan. A physical exam and recent history will help. You may be asked about your travel history, recent exposure to chemicals, metals, or medications, and diet changes.
In general, most people recover easily from gastroenteritis. However, for some patients, dehydration is a serious concern. The very young and the very old may be endangered by fluid loss from vomiting and/or diarrhea. Electrolytes are also lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
Gastroenteritis is an emergency if it comes with blood in the vomit or stool, a high fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or more), vomiting that lasts more than forty-eight hours, dizziness and/or confusion, and dehydration. If you are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea and any of the previous symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.