Gastroenteritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining and intestines. It can have various causes, symptoms, and treatments; more alike to those of gastritis and depending on the type and severity of the condition.

TYPES OF GASTROENTERITIS

There are different types of gastroenteritis, such as acute, chronic, erosive, and non-erosive gastritis.

1). Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by infection, injury, or medication.

2). Chronic gastroenteritis is a long-term and persistent inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, autoimmune disorders, or pernicious anemia.

3). Erosive gastroenteritis is a type of gastroenteritis that causes ulcers, bleeding, or erosion of the stomach and intestinal lining, usually caused by alcohol, NSAIDs, or stress.

4). Non-erosive gastroenteritis is a type of gastroenteritis that does not cause ulcers, bleeding, or erosion of the stomach and intestinal lining, but may cause changes in the stomach and intestinal cells or mucous layer.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTROENTERITIS

Gastroenteritis may not cause any symptoms in some people, but in others, it may cause various signs and symptoms, such as:

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Loss of appetite.

• Abdominal pain and cramps.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Fatigue.

• Body aches.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF GASTROENTERITIS

Gastroenteritis is caused by anything that damages or weakens the protective layer of the stomach and intestinal lining, allowing the digestive acids to irritate and inflame the stomach and intestinal tissue. Some of the common causes and risk factors of gastroenteritis are:

i). H. pylori infection: This is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and intestines and cause chronic inflammation, ulcers, or stomach cancer. It is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or saliva, and affects about half of the world's population.

ii). NSAIDs: These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, that can reduce pain and inflammation, but can also damage the stomach and intestinal lining and increase the risk of bleeding or ulcers. They are especially harmful if taken regularly, in high doses, or with alcohol.

iii). Alcohol: Excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can irritate and erode the stomach and intestinal lining, and interfere with the production of protective mucus and enzymes. Alcohol can also increase the production of stomach and intestinal acid and impair the healing of the stomach and intestinal tissue.

iv) Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger or worsen gastroenteritis, especially in people who have a history of stomach and intestinal problems. Stress can cause the release of hormones that increase acid production and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Stress can also lead to unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking, or overeating, that can aggravate gastroenteritis.

Some other factors that can cause or contribute to gastroenteritis are:

a). Autoimmune disorders, such as pernicious anemia, Crohn's disease, or lupus, that can cause the immune system to attack the stomach and intestinal lining or impair the absorption of vitamin B12.

b). Bile reflux, which is a condition where bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, flows back into the stomach and causes irritation and inflammation.

c). Food allergies or intolerances, such as gluten, lactose, or histamine, that can trigger an immune response or a digestive reaction in the stomach and intestines.

d). Injuries or surgeries, such as burns, trauma, or gastric bypass, that can damage the stomach and intestinal lining or affect the blood flow to the stomach and intestines.

e). Other infections, such as viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, that can affect the stomach and intestines and cause inflammation or ulcers.

DIAGNOSIS OF GASTROENTERITIS

Gastroenteritis is diagnosed based on the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests of the patient. Some of the tests that can be used to diagnose gastroenteritis are:

i). Stool or breath test: This is a test that can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stool or breath of the patient. It can help determine the cause and the treatment of gastroenteritis.

ii). Blood test: This is a test that can measure the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and antibodies in the blood. It can help assess the extent of inflammation, infection, anemia, or autoimmune disorders that can cause gastroenteritis.

iii). Endoscopy: This is a test that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light (endoscope) through the mouth and into the stomach and intestines. It can provide a detailed view of the stomach and intestinal lining and detect any abnormalities, such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. It can also be used to take biopsies (tissue samples) for further analysis.

iv). X-ray or CT scan: This is a test that uses X-rays or computerized tomography to create images of the abdomen and the stomach and intestines. It can help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or gallstones.

TREATMENT OF GASTROENTERITIS

The treatment of gastroenteritis depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. Some of the treatment options are:

i). Medications: These are drugs that can help reduce the inflammation, infection, acid production, or bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Some examples are:

ii). Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole, that can kill H. pylori bacteria and cure the infection.

iii). Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole, that can block the enzyme that produces acid in the stomach and allow the stomach and intestinal lining to heal.

iv). H2 blockers, such as ranitidine, famotidine, or cimetidine, that can reduce the amount of acid released by the stomach and intestinal cells and relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

v). Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide, that can neutralize the acid in the stomach and provide quick relief of heartburn.

vi). Sucralfate, which is a drug that forms a protective coating on the stomach and intestinal lining and prevents the acid from damaging it.

vii). Lifestyle changes: These are modifications that can help prevent or reduce the recurrence of gastroenteritis. Some examples are:

a). Eating smaller and more frequent meals, and avoiding foods that can trigger or worsen gastroenteritis, such as spicy, fatty, acidic, or caffeinated foods.

b). Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and medications that can irritate the stomach and intestinal lining, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroids.

c). Managing stress, which can affect the digestive system and cause or aggravate gastroenteritis.

d). Following a balanced diet, which can help prevent or treat some of the causes of gastroenteritis, such as vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, or diabetes.

viii). Surgery: This is an option that can be used to treat severe or complicated cases of gastroenteritis, such as bleeding, perforation, or cancer. Surgery can involve removing part or all of the stomach and intestines, or creating a new connection between the stomach and intestines.

COMPLICATIONS OF GASTROENTERITIS

If left untreated, gastroenteritis can lead to serious complications, such as:

i). Peptic ulcers, which are sores or holes in the stomach and intestinal lining that can cause pain, bleeding, or perforation.

ii). Atrophic gastritis, which is a chronic inflammation that can lead to the loss of the stomach and intestinal lining and the cells that produce acid and enzymes. This can impair the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and increase the risk of stomach and intestinal cancer.

iii). Anaemia, a condition where RBCs are low in number or function. It's caused by bleeding, deficiency of Vitamin B12 or pernicious anaemia. Anaemia causes weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and in severe cases, death due to lack of enough transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body.

These are the complications that may arise from unattended gastroenteritis.

Did you grab something?

Remember, gastroenteritis is quite similar to gastritis with only a difference with the area affected. Gastritis affects the stomach lining only while gastroenteritis affects both the stomach lining and the intestines.