1. When Food Becomes Poison
Food poisoning is by far the most common form of gastroenteritis, and is often called the 24-hour flu, as symptoms generally pass quickly and resemble those of the common cold or flu. Causes of food poisoning generally occur when bacteria or other microbes are present in improperly prepared or stored foods, or when food handlers do not practice proper hygiene when using the bathroom. The source of food poisoning is often hard to pinpoint, as it may affect only one person in an entire restaurant.
2. When Montezuma Gets Revenge
Twenty to 50 percent of travelers suffer from traveler's diarrhea, one of the many types of gastroenteritis, which is also lovingly referred to as "Montezuma's Revenge," the "Aztec 2-Step," "Delhi Belly" and the "Hong Kong Dog." Contrary to popular belief, the causes of gastroenteritis are more commonly found in foreign foods than the water supply. Traveler's diarrhea is most often caused by common bacteria in foods which can upset the stomach and digestive tracts of those unaccustomed to them; hence the unpleasant effect on tourists.
3. Teeny Tiny Organisms
Parasites and protozoans are other common causes of gastroenteritis and are most often found in contaminated water. A person can become infected by drinking contaminated water, but also by swimming in public pools or eating foods washed in contaminated water. The most common parasites include giardia and cryptosporidium. An infection of giardia is called giardiasis and is the number one cause of waterborne diarrhea, while cryptosporidium generally affects only those with weak immune systems.
4. What's Toxic to You May Not Be Toxic to Me
Gastroenteritis may be caused by food allergies which affect one person, but not another. Inability to digest lactose, allergies to seafood or nuts and other common food allergies can aggravate the digestive lining and cause bouts of gastroenteritis. In addition to food allergies, chemical toxins found in seafood and heavy metals sometimes found in drinking water can cause gastroenteritis.
5. Stimulants That Over-Stimulate
Medications and stimulants which aggravate the lining of the stomach and the digestive tract may also cause symptoms of gastroenteritis. Alcohol is one of the most common culprits; however, common drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as advil and motrin as well as antibiotics can all trigger a bout of diarrhea accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Additionally, steroid medications, particularly changes in dosages as well as caffeine and nicotine may be the underlying cause.
