Gastroenteritis: definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and what to eat

By Cristiano Antonino On May 7, 2023

Gastroenteritis is a widespread illness that can be triggered by many different agents. It is an infection of the stomach and intestines that can affect people of all ages, but is particularly common in children

In most cases it does not expose you to major consequences, but if neglected it can be dangerous.

That is why it is essential to know how to recognise and treat it.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation and infection of the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. both the stomach and the small intestine.

It can occur in an acute or chronic form and can affect people of all ages.

It is very common in children, even very young ones.

However, adults and the elderly are not immune either.

It can be triggered by various pathogens, such as bacteria (e.g. salmonella, campylobacter, pathogenic escherichia coli, clostridium difficile), viruses (among the most frequent: rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus), protozoa (such as giardia, entamoeba histolytica, cryprosporidium) or helminths (including trichocephalosis, trichinellosis, botryocephalosis, strongyloidosis, toxocarosis).

Viral gastroenteritis

The most common form of the disease is viral gastroenteritis, which, as its name suggests, is caused by viruses.

In children, for example, the most common form of serious gastroenteritis is that caused by rotavirus.

This form causes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting and sometimes fever.

In most cases, one becomes infected through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Healthy people tend to recover without complications.

But do not underestimate the situation; for infants, the elderly and people with a compromised immune system, viral gastroenteritis can be very dangerous.

How contagion occurs

The disease is transmitted in different ways depending on the pathogen responsible.

Often, contagion occurs via the faeco-oral route, by ingesting contaminated food or drink or by handling infected objects.

However, one can also become infected through contact with an infected person, through an exchange of hands or through contact with contaminated surfaces, especially in crowded communities.

Another common mode of transmission is through inhalation of saline droplets and infected secretions.

The period of contagiousness is also highly variable.

Gastroenteritis symptoms

Regardless of the microorganisms and triggers, gastroenteritis is easily recognisable.

In fact, it manifests itself with symptoms that are always the same or at least very similar.

The incubation period varies depending on the agent responsible: in some situations, manifestations appear immediately after contact, in others some time later.

In any case, here are the alarm bells to watch out for:

nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhoea, which is almost always watery. Only in some cases does it contain mucus or traces of blood (in these cases, it is usually more serious);
stomach cramps,
abdominal pain.

These characteristic complaints may be accompanied by other more general ones, such as fever (very frequent), headaches and muscle aches. A gastroenterological examination may then be useful.

Possible complications of gastroenteritis

When the infection manifests itself with mild diarrhoea and causes no other significant symptoms, it generally heals spontaneously and without any particular consequences, by drinking a lot and resting.

When, on the other hand, it causes intense symptoms, it can become complicated, which is why it should not be underestimated.

The main complication of gastroenteritis, particularly in children and frail individuals, is dehydration, a severe loss of water and essential minerals.

This situation may also require hospitalisation and the use of rehydrating drips.

In infants, it can progress rapidly and be particularly dangerous.

Gastroenteritis, treatment

Fortunately, in many cases gastroenteritis resolves on its own without major intervention.

However, one should never underestimate the situation and always seek medical advice, especially in more complex situations and in more fragile patients.

When necessary, treatment may include

antibiotic drugs, which are only necessary in a small percentage of cases, for example in certain forms of bacterial origin;
anti-diarrhoeal medicines, to improve discharges: however, do-it-yourself is discouraged because it is not certain that these medicines are always useful and necessary. For example, anti-diarrhoeal medicines should not be used in forms with abdominal pain or if there is blood in the stool;
probiotics, micro-organisms capable of improving the balance of intestinal bacterial flora, which can help improve diarrhoea;
rehydrating solutions (containing electrolytes), which are indicated in cases of dehydration. As mentioned, however, hospitalisation and the administration of solutions containing electrolytes intravenously are required in more serious cases.

Gastroenteritis what to eat

If there is an infection in the stomach and intestines and vomiting and/or diarrhoea ensue, it is essential to stay hydrated.

Yes, therefore, to drinking (or making the child drink) water, but also herbal teas, fruit juices.

As for food, it is good to prefer light and slightly astringent foods such as rice, potatoes, boiled carrots, raw apples and bananas, preferably in small doses.

Vaccines

Against rotavirus gastroenteritis there are two vaccines of comparable efficacy, both in the form of drops:

the first involves two doses and must be completed by 24 weeks of age: the first dose may be administered from six weeks of age and no later than 10-12 weeks; the second dose must be administered after a minimum interval of four weeks
the second involves three doses and must be completed by 32 weeks of age: the first dose can be administered from six weeks of age and no later than 10-12 weeks; the second dose must be administered after a minimum interval of four weeks.

Prevention rules

In order to reduce the risk of gastroenteritis, it is good to follow a few simple rules (and have children follow them).

Here are the main ones:

Wash your hands often throughout the day and always after going to the toilet. Ideally, use soap and water and rub your hands together for 20 seconds;
wash your hands after changing nappies and cleaning your child’s genitals and anal area;
disinfect the lid and seat of the toilet after an episode of vomiting or a burst of diarrhoea;
do not share personal items such as napkins, glasses, cutlery, dishes, towels;
avoid close contact with infected persons;
wash clothes and bed linen in hot water.

Rules to observe in the kitchen

Here are the rules to observe in the kitchen

do not eat or handle food unless your hands are perfectly clean;
clean kitchen surfaces before cooking;
do not cook for others if you are ill;
if you are not sure of its origin, only eat meat if it is well cooked and avoid eating eggs or sauces made from raw eggs;
pay the utmost attention to food storage, do not eat meat, salads, sauces that have been kept at room temperature for more than two hours;
keep all fresh foods (eggs, mayonnaise, creams, sauces) in the refrigerator and preferably consume them as soon as they are prepared, without storing them for a long time;
avoid cross-contamination between potentially infected foods by keeping raw and cooked meats separate, and by thoroughly washing all utensils used to handle raw food;
especially in unfamiliar restaurants, be wary of trolleys with cold food stored for a long time at room temperature, all the more so if they contain jellies, creams, mayonnaise, mascarpone, sauces and eggs;
when travelling in countries with poor hygienic conditions, drink only bottled water, do not consume raw vegetables and peeled fruit, avoid ice.