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| What is gastroenteritis? What are the causes and clinical manifestations of gastroenteritis? |
Cause
Infectious gastroenteritis can be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Toxic substances and drugs can cause chemical gastroenteritis. Viral infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. There are many viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. The most common is rotavirus, followed by Norwalk virus, astrovirus and intestinal adenovirus.
Common infections include: food (especially seafood), contaminated water sources, contact with infected people, unclean dishes, and no hand washing before eating.
Clinical manifestation
The type and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms depend on the type and amount of microorganism or toxicant. The most common symptoms are diarrhea. Other symptoms include: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss (may be signs of dehydration), excessive sweating, cold skin, muscle pain or joint stiffness, and incontinence.
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, which is characterized by weakness, extreme thirst, oliguria or dark urine, dry skin, dry mouth, and eyeball depression. Infants can also show tears when crying. Severe vomiting or diarrhea can cause hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypotension, and the like. Hyponatremia is particularly prevalent in patients who consume large amounts of salt-free or salt-free water to replenish fluids. Water and electrolyte disorders have potential risks, especially in patients with severe illness, weakness, young or old age, and severe cases can present with shock and kidney failure.
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