REPORTING DRAFT

“Acute Gastroenteritis”

Definition
 Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu which is an inflammation of the lining of the
stomach and intestines.
 Cause by a viral, bacterial, or parasite

Etiology
Gastroenteritis is usually or can be caused by several factors including
 Viruses: Viral infections, such as the norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.
 Bacteria: Bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli, salmonella, and campylobacter
 Parasites: Parasitic infections, such as giardia and cryptosporidium.
 Toxins: Toxins produced by staphylococcus aureus can indeed cause gastroenteritis.
 Medications: Certain medication which includes antibiotics that disrupts the normal
balance in the gut.

Risk factors
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing gastroenteritis
 Age: Children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65 are at higher risk of
developing gastroenteritis.
 Poor hygiene
 Contaminated food and water
 Travel
 Contact with infected individuals
 Health conditions: HIV/AIDS, cancer, and Crohn's disease.
 Medications

Signs and symptoms

 Diarrhea and being sick (vomiting) are the two main symptoms of gastroenteritis.
 Symptoms and signs of dehydration in adults include:
 Tiredness.
 Dizziness or light-headedness.
  Headache.
 Muscular cramps.
 Sunken eyes.
 Passing little urine.
 A dry mouth and tongue.
 Weakness.
 Becoming irritable.
 Symptoms of severe dehydration in adults include:
 Weakness.
 Confusion.
 Rapid heart rate.
 Coma.
 Producing very little urine - Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and
immediate medical attention is needed.
 Dehydration in adults with gastroenteritis is more likely to occur in:
 Elderly or frail people.
 Pregnant women.
 People with severe vomiting and diarrhea. In particular, if you are not able to
replace the fluid lost with enough drinks.
 Abdominal cramps and fever
 Gastroenteritis is a disease which typically is self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its
own after a few days.

Treatment (including nursing management):

The treatment for gastroenteritis depends on the severity of the infection and the underlying
cause. In general, the following measures may be recommended
 Fluids and fluid replacement
 Anti-diarrheal medications.
 Antibiotics Probiotics: Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for
gut health, may be recommended in some cases to help restore the normal balance of
bacteria in the gut.
 Rest
 Electrolyte replacement
 Pain management:
 Emesis control
 Hydration education
 Home care
 Don’t share towels and flannels.