What Is Gastroenteritis, What Are Its Causes And Symptoms?

Do you know how beneficial it is to wash your hands and practice proper hygiene? Gastroenteritis and other associated diseases can be prevented this way.

Although it is not a total guarantee, hand washing and proper food preparation can help prevent gastric problems.

Although this is not a serious condition in many cases, it is important to remain alert to the symptoms, since there are medical conditions that can become complicated, especially during childhood and old age.

What is gastroenteritis and what causes it?

Gastroenteritis is defined as inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. As for its causes, it can affect one person or several people who have consumed the same food or drank the same water, according to data from the specialized site Medline Plus.

According to experts, germs can enter the body in several ways, either by directly consuming contaminated food or water or through an object such as a plate of food or cutlery. They can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact.

Experts say that gastroenteritis can be caused by several viruses, including norovirus, campylobacter, rotavirus, astrovirus, salmonella, enteric adenovirus, and COVID-19. According to various studies, the three most vulnerable groups are young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

According to the Mayo Clinic and other specialists, these are some of the symptoms of gastroenteritis:

Discomfort and cramps in the stomach
Watery diarrhea, often without blood. If there is bleeding, this is a sign of a much more serious illness.
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache or muscle pain
Lower than-normal fever

Other symptoms you may experience include chills, weight loss, cold and clammy skin, sweating, muscle pain, and more. According to Medline Plus, symptoms may appear within four to 48 hours after contact with the virus. To confirm the diagnosis, a stool test can be performed at any laboratory.

However, if you experience any symptoms, the most important thing is to contact your doctor immediately to avoid any complications that could put your life at risk. Although it is a self-limiting condition, there are serious cases where the patient may become dehydrated or suffer more severe complications. If this situation occurs, go immediately to the emergency room of a nearby health center so that they can provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Can gastroenteritis be prevented?

Experts say that gastroenteritis cannot always be prevented. However, there are a number of healthy practices that can be carried out to avoid contracting infectious diseases through food, since this is one of the possible ways of contracting gastroenteritis and other diseases.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some prevention mechanisms:

Vaccinate children against rotavirus. In Guatemala, you can consult any pediatrician regarding the dose your child needs.
Wash your hands thoroughly. According to experts, it is necessary to wash them for at least 20 seconds to ensure proper hygiene. Don’t forget to do so after changing diapers or before handling food.
Avoid sharing kitchen utensils, glasses, and plates. Use separate towels in the bathroom.
Prepare food properly. If you are sick with gastroenteritis, avoid cooking.
Keep your distance from people who have this condition or any related illness.
Disinfect surfaces in your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
Do not wash the clothes of a sick person directly. If you do so, preferably use gloves.
Do not eat undercooked meat or fish. The same applies to other foods.
Change diapers following strict hygiene measures.