What is gastroenteritis? | Gastrointestinal system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Summary

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly referred to as the stomach flu. It can be classified into acute and chronic forms, with acute gastroenteritis typically lasting a few days to a week. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. It is caused by various pathogens, such as viruses like rotavirus and norovirus, and bacteria like enterotoxigenic E. coli, often transmitted through fecal-oral routes. Treatment focuses on rehydration, while prevention emphasizes good hygiene and safe food practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.
• 🩺 There are two main types: acute gastroenteritis, which lasts a few days to a week, and chronic gastroenteritis, which persists for a longer period.
• 🤒 Acute gastroenteritis is often referred to as the stomach flu or stomach virus, although it's not caused by the influenza virus.
• 🔍 Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever.
• 💧 Dehydration is a significant concern due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea.
• 🦠 Gastroenteritis can be caused by various infectious pathogens, including viruses like rotavirus and norovirus, and bacteria like enterotoxigenic E. coli.
• 🚽 The primary transmission route is fecal-oral, often through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
• 🔬 Diagnosis may involve stool samples and blood tests to confirm the presence of pathogens and check for dehydration.
• 💧 Treatment typically focuses on oral rehydration therapy, with IV fluids for severe cases, while antibiotics may be used for bacterial causes.
• 🧼 Prevention includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly, drinking clean water, and cooking food properly.

Q & A

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, commonly caused by infections from viruses or bacteria.

What are the two types of gastroenteritis?

The two types are acute gastroenteritis, which lasts a few days to a week, and chronic gastroenteritis, which is persistent and lasts for a longer period.

What are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis?

Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and fever.

How do pathogens typically enter the gastrointestinal system?

Pathogens usually enter through fecal to oral transmission, often due to improper handwashing after using the bathroom.

What role does the gastrointestinal wall play in gastroenteritis?

The gastrointestinal wall, specifically the epithelium, is where pathogens invade, leading to cell death and inflammation, disrupting digestion and absorption.

How can gastroenteritis be diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve evaluating symptoms, taking a stool sample to identify pathogens, and conducting blood tests to check for dehydration.

What is oral rehydration therapy?

Oral rehydration therapy involves drinking fluids containing sugars and salts to replenish lost fluids due to dehydration.

When are antibiotics used in treating gastroenteritis?

Antibiotics may be used if the gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria; however, they are ineffective against viral infections.

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid gastroenteritis?

Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, thoroughly washing hands, consuming clean water, and cooking food properly to avoid contamination.

Why is it misleading to call gastroenteritis the 'stomach flu'?

It is misleading because the ordinary flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is unrelated to the viruses or bacteria that cause gastroenteritis.