Gastroenteritis is inflammation all the way from the stomach to the intestines
Contagious
All patients should be source isolated
Acute diarrhoea - three or more episodes of liquid or semi-liquid stool in a 24-hour period, lasting for less than 14 days, where the stool takes the shape of the sample pot.
Prolonged diarrhoea - acute-onset diarrhoea that has persisted for over 14 days.
Causes/Factors
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Adenovirus (tends to cause respiratory symptoms)
Symptoms
- Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
Signs
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Malaise and fatigue
Investigations
- Abdo exam - ask about bowels blood etc
- Stool culture
- Blood tests if admitted
- Imaging if suspecting a Bowel Obstruction
Management
- Supportive care
- Fluids oral rehydration salt - dioralyte
- Avoid spread - correct hygiene patients should remain off school or work for 48 hours after symptoms have resolved entirely
Anti-diarrhoeal and anti-emetics
Generally avoided as they can worsen the condition. Better to get rid of the virus than keep it inside
Complications/red Flags
Rarely fatal especially in extremes of age or with pre-existing conditions. Usually due to dehydration etc
- Lactose intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reactive Arthritis
- Guillain–Barré syndrome
- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome