How is acute gastroenteritis caused?

Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Acute gastroenteritis primarily has two main causes. The first is infection by bacteria and toxins, with Salmonella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus being the most common infections, and staphylococcal toxins, especially from Staphylococcus aureus, being frequently seen. Viruses can also cause outbreaks, often occurring in groups or within families. Additionally, consuming contaminated meat from poultry, fish, or other livestock, as well as seafood like snails grown in the wild, can trigger the disease. Contaminated leftovers infected by Staphylococcus aureus can also induce illness. The second cause involves physical and chemical factors, such as eating cold foods, some antibiotics, or accidentally consuming strong acids, alkalis, or pesticides, all of which can lead to this disease.

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precursor of acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis typically strikes suddenly, usually without specific early warning signs. By the time such premonitions occur, symptoms of acute gastroenteritis become quite evident, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Generally, acute gastroenteritis is caused by consuming unclean food or food poisoning, leading to significant diarrhea. Frequent diarrhea can result in dehydration. Current treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic fluid and nutritional support, as well as antispasmodic pain relief. During the acute phase, it is advisable to abstain from food as much as possible. After symptoms subside, one can gradually consume some soft foods. Regular meals, adequate rest, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, greasy foods, as well as strong tea, coffee, and strong alcohol are recommended.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can you eat rice with gastroenteritis?

If you have gastroenteritis, it is best to eat foods that are easy to digest. You can drink some millet porridge. It is best not to eat rice, as rice is not easily digestible, but you can drink some rice porridge, which is still a soft food and relatively easy to digest. Additionally, you should avoid greasy foods and it's best not to drink milk because dairy products can also easily lead to diarrhea. Moreover, patients who are lactose intolerant may experience worsened symptoms of gastroenteritis after consuming milk. When suffering from gastroenteritis, it is important to maintain a light diet and, if necessary, take some anti-inflammatory drugs or probiotics. Generally, recovery can be achieved in about two to three days. Also, make sure to rest in bed and avoid eating fruits, as fruits contain rough fiber that can exacerbate symptoms of diarrhea.

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Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take for gastroenteritis to get better?

If it is acute gastroenteritis, make sure to rest in bed as much as possible, replenish with glucose electrolyte solutions, and handle symptoms accordingly. Recovery often occurs within three to seven days. If it is chronic gastroenteritis, specific analysis based on the particular conditions is required. Chronic gastritis and enteritis often cannot be completely cured, only partially alleviated in terms of symptoms.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do if a child has gastroenteritis?

For children with gastroenteritis, we first treat the gut with probiotics, such as oral bifidobacterium or lactobacillus acidophilus. Then, we can provide gastrointestinal mucosal protectants, such as montmorillonite powder. At the same time, since gastroenteritis may cause dehydration and electrolyte disorders, it is necessary to replenish fluids and electrolytes, commonly using oral rehydration salts. If the gastroenteritis is suspected to be caused by a viral infection, some antiviral medications should be taken orally. If it is considered to be caused by a bacterial infection, oral antibiotics for anti-infection treatment, such as cephalosporins or penicillins, should be administered.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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The difference between a stomach cold and gastroenteritis

Gastrointestinal colds and gastroenteritis generally have similar symptoms. Gastrointestinal colds are caused by viral infections or heatstroke, causing mild fever, runny nose, mild nausea, diarrhea, etc., typically without substantive white blood cells or pathogens in the stool. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, involves actual pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, such as from Helicobacter pylori or E. coli infections, and usually does not cause fever, runny nose, or other complications. Typical symptoms include intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive system symptoms.