Gastroenteritis

Also known as: stomach flu.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is commonly called the stomach flu. But it’s actually not caused by the influenza virus. Gastroenteritis refers to an inflammation of the intestinal lining that leads to a number of digestive-related and other symptoms.
 

What causes gastroenteritis?

Various viruses, bacteria, or parasites are the common sources of infectious gastroenteritis.
 

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache.
 

What are gastroenteritis care options?

In most cases, rest and symptomatic support is the treatment for gastroenteritis. Many people need to drink plenty of fluid to replace what is lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. Bacterial or parasitic gastroenteritis can be treated directly with drugs to kill the offending germs.

Reviewed by: John M Peters, DO

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:06 PM