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Gastroenteritis is the medical name of a  stomach condition that is more commonly known as the stomach flu. It can also be known as gastric flu, infectious diarrhea, or the tummy bug.

Symptoms and sickness begins directly related to an Inflammation or irritation to the Gastrointestinal Tract. This condition can involve both the Stomach and Small Intestines.

It may be called the flu of the stomach, but it doesn’t have anything to do with Influenza virus or the Human Flu. The most common symptom is diarrhea.

In 2015, more than 2 billion cases of Gastroenteritis were seen worldwide. Over 1 million deaths resulted. Often those that are most affected are children and those in the developing world are affected the most.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis:

–  Nausea
–  Vomiting
–  Diarrhea
–  Stomach pain
–  Stomach cramping
–  Decreased of loss of appetite
–  Blood in stools
–  Fatigue
–  Young children may have loss of weight, racing heartbeat, skin color changes and shock symptoms

Causes of Symptoms:

1.)  Viruses
2.)  Toxins
3.)  Bacteria
4.)  Parasites
5.)  other causes

Virus are the most common cause

Types of Viruses:

–  Norovirus  –  50% of cases
–  Rotavirus  –  20% of cases – often seen in children
–  Adenovirus
–  Astrovirus
–  other

Types of bacteria

–  Escherichia coli
–  Clostridium
–  Staphylococcus
–  Salmonella
–  Shigella
–  others

Risk factors:

–  Uncooked foods
–  Contaminated water
–  Other sick family members, friends, or people who you have contact with

Stool cultures may be required

Treatment Options:

Fluids

If breastfeeding – continue and don’t stop

If formula feeding – continue and also rehydrate as needed

BRAT diet + others
–  Bananas
–  Rice
–  Applesauce
–  Toast
–  along with additional nutritional valued foods such as soups,
fluids, and other bland foods
–  Yogurt as well

Zinc for children for 2 weeks following episode.

Antibiotics when necessary
.   Fuoroquinolones
.   Metronidazole
.  Vancomycin

Loperamide for diarrhea

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Ondansetron for nausea

*** When severe or concerning – visiting with a medical provider may be essential and in
some cases a visit to the hospital may be appropriate.