What is acute gastroenteritis?

Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Acute gastroenteritis often has a history of consuming unclean food, with an incubation period that usually ranges from several hours to several days, most commonly one to two days. The onset of acute gastroenteritis is typically characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgent and increased bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, fever, and even convulsions. The frequency of bowel movements may increase to 10-30 times a day, and the patient may experience mild fever among other symptoms. Severe diarrhea can be accompanied by stools containing pus and blood, along with vomiting. In severe cases, patients may also experience dehydration and even shock. Therefore, patients with acute gastroenteritis should try to replenish energy, avoid exacerbation of the illness due to electrolyte imbalance, and prevent severe dehydration.

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Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis caused by Norovirus

Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus infection primarily involve gastrointestinal dysfunction and infection. The onset is usually sudden and often occurs in crowded places and communal dining settings. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with diarrhea being a common symptom. Children frequently exhibit vomiting, while adults are more likely to experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, thus it is important to promptly replenish fluids and electrolytes to correct gastrointestinal dysfunction.

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Why does acute gastroenteritis cause dizziness?

Acute gastroenteritis is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. If the diarrhea is severe, there can be significant bodily dehydration, manifesting as fatigue or dizziness. It is important to promptly replenish body fluids and undergo infusion therapy. At the same time, proactive use of antibiotics and antidiarrheal medications is advised. The general treatment period lasts 3-5 days. After recovery, attention should be given to dietary adjustments, incorporating fresh green vegetables. It is advisable to eat some fruit and have meals regularly and in controlled quantities, while reducing consumption of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Appropriate outdoor exercises should be performed to help regulate gastrointestinal function. (Please follow the doctor's advice regarding medication use.)

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How to treat gastroenteritis?

The treatment of gastroenteritis primarily depends on the cause and specific symptoms to determine the treatment plan. Exposure to cold or improper diet may cause acute gastroenteritis. In such cases, it is recommended to first check routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, stool routine, etc., to identify the cause. Gastroenteric flu can be treated with antiviral drugs and astringent antidiarrheal medications to achieve satisfactory results. Infectious diarrhea caused by bacterial infection generally uses antimicrobial drugs combined with antidiarrheal medications to also achieve satisfactory effects. Commonly used drugs include cephalosporins or quinolones anti-inflammatory. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to a light and easily digestible diet, and if diarrhea is severe, infusion treatment may be necessary to prevent dehydration.

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What foods should not be eaten with acute gastroenteritis?

There are also quite a few foods that should not be eaten during acute gastroenteritis. Firstly, spicy foods should be avoided, as the digestive function of the intestines is somewhat limited during gastroenteritis, and spicy foods can easily irritate the gastrointestinal tract, worsening the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Additionally, foods that are too cold or too hot should not be consumed. It is also advisable to avoid the stimulation of strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor. Instead, eat soft, easily digestible foods, consume less greasy food, and make sure to drink plenty of water. This helps to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration symptoms that might arise from gastroenteritis.

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Gastroenteritis dehydration symptoms

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, mainly occurs due to simultaneous infections in the stomach and intestinal mucosa by bacteria or viruses. The primary clinical symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and watery stools—some experience it five or six times a day, and others more than ten times a day. Increased frequency of stools can lead to symptoms of dehydration. Excessive loss of body fluids can cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration, presenting symptoms such as pale complexion, cold limbs, fever, and decreased blood pressure. In such cases, it is essential to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids as soon as possible. Oral rehydration solutions can also be used, but if the patient experiences severe nausea and vomiting, intravenous administration of glucose, saline, and potassium chloride is necessary. (Please rehydrate under the guidance of a doctor.)