DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Gastroenteritis

Also called stomach flu, gastroenteritis is when the stomach and intestines are inflamed. The cause is typically a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting (which causes dehydration), dry skin, dry mouth, feeling lightheaded and thirsty.

Causes of gastroenteritis are contaminated food or water, unwashed hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, undercooked poultry, eggs or poultry juices, heavy metals in drinking water, eating a lot of acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, toxins in some seafoods and medications like antibiotics, antacids, laxatives and chemotherapy drugs. It could also be contracted through contact with someone who has it.

Treatment could be through oral rehydration therapy, taking fluids intravenously and anti-nausea medications.

webmd.com