It is an inflammation of the inner layer or mucosa of the intestine caused by an infection.
It is usually caused by a virus (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus) although it can be bacterial (Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae and E. coli) or parasitic. The germs are contracted after ingesting contaminated food or water.
It manifests with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, general malaise, fever and chills. It is considered "complicated" when it presents with high fever, mucus or blood in the stool, hypotension, low level of consciousness and/or the patient has an underlying disease that may decompensate as a result of gastroenteritis.
Diagnosis is obtained by questioning and physical examination; blood and stool tests may be necessary to study the severity and causative agent of the clinical picture.
It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, hospital admission being necessary in most cases. Treatment is based on correcting the triggering cause and ensuring proper hydration.
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