The digestive system is prone to developing infections from bacteria, viruses and parasites. These organisms can get into the body via contaminated food or beverages and lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, also known as acute gastroenteritis. This type of infection usually goes away on its own, though it can lead to dehydration.
Causes
Acute gastroenteritis, according to the Merck Manual, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites in the gastrointestinal system. Viruses, such as the rotavirus and norovirus are the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can also be caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, shigella, cambylobacter, yersinia and salmonella bacteria. Certain parasites can also cause acute gastroenteritis. Examples of parasites that can affect the gastrointestinal system include giardia and cryptosporidium.
Contraction
Viral gastroenteritis can be contracted as a result of being around people who are infected with the virus or by eating food that is contaminated, according to the Mayo Clinic. This mode of transmission typically occurs if a person who is infected does not wash his hands after using the bathroom and handles an uninfected person's food or utensils. The consumption of contaminated food can also spread bacterial gastroenteritis, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Disease-causing bacteria can grow in food that is not pasteurized or fully cooked. Finally, parasites can be contracted from the drinking of contaminated water or through person-to-person contact.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis typically come on suddenly, according to the Merck Manual. Patients often experience abdominal cramping, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, which sometimes contains blood. Patients may also experience a lack of appetite or a fever, and the abdomen can become tender and slightly swollen. In severe cases, patients can become dehydrated as a result of loss of fluid due to the diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in a condition known as hypovolemia. Hypovolemia can result in a dangerous loss of blood pressure due to inadequate blood volume.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is often based on the symptoms, particularly if there are a number of similar cases from patients who have eaten in the same location. The presence of blood in the stool or diarrhea that persists for more than two days is often cause for a stool culture, in which a sample of the patient's fecal material is analyzed to determine the presence of any infectious organisms. Patients who have recently received antibiotics should also have their stool tested for clostridial toxin, which is a compound secreted by a strain of bacteria that commonly infects patients after antibiotic use.
Treatment
Acute gastroenteritis is typically not treated with antibiotics unless it is known that bacteria are causing the infection. Patients will be advised to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated by consuming lots of fluids and sucking on chips of ice. Patients should also avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and foods with a high fat content, as these can make the symptoms worse. Acute gastroenteritis typically goes away on its own.
