An inflammatory disorder that affects the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Most commonly, this is attributed to viruses; however bacteria, parasites or adverse reactions can also be the culprit. Symptoms include acute diarrhea and vomiting.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually not serious in healthy people, but it can sometimes lead to dehydration or cause severe symptoms. There can be many different causes of gastroenteritis: Viruses; Bacteria; Parasites; Chemicals; Reactions to certain medicines and food. Viral gastroenteritis is the most common type. It can be caused by many different viruses, including noroviruses and rotaviruses. Some people call viral gastroenteritis the "stomach flu." But this name is not medically correct. It is not caused by flu viruses. The flu is a respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat and lungs. When gastroenteritis is caused by consuming foods or drinks contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or chemicals, this is called food poisoning. The viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause gastroenteritis can also spread from person to person. You could be infected when you touch something that has the germs on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include: Diarrhea; Pain or cramping in your abdomen (belly); Nausea; Vomiting; Sometimes fever. Gastroenteritis is usually not serious. But it can sometimes cause lead to dehydration or cause severe symptoms. Certain people are at higher risk for these problems. They include: Pregnant women; Older adults; People with weakened immune systems or other serious health conditions; Infants; Babies who were born prematurely or have other health conditions. If you or a family member are at higher risk and have symptoms of gastroenteritis, contact a health care provider right away. Even if you are not at high risk, it is possible to become dehydrated or have more serious symptoms. There are some warning signs to watch for. It's important to contact a provider right away if you or your child have any of them: For adults, they include: Change in mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy; Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days; High fever; Vomiting often; Six or more loose stools in a day; Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum; Stools that are black and tarry or contain blood or pus; Symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark-colored urine, and urinating less than normal.
For infants and children, they include: Change in the child's mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy; Diarrhea lasting more than a day; Any fever in infants; High fever in older children; Frequent loose stools; Vomiting often; Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum; Signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, urinating less than usual or no wet diapers for 3 hours or more, and no tears when crying; Stools that are black and tarry or contain blood or pus. . To find out if you have gastroenteritis, your provider: Will do a physical exam; Will ask about your symptoms; May do tests of your stool. Usually, people with gastroenteritis get better on their own, with rest and plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Your provider may suggest that you take a probiotic. Studies suggest that some probiotics may help shorten a case of diarrhea. People with more severe symptoms may need medicines to control nausea or vomiting. Providers may also give other medicines for certain types...

Inflammation of any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to rectum; causes of gastroenteritis are many including genetic, infection, hypersensitivity, drug effects, and cancer.

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps (dull or sharp pains). Gastroenteritis may be caused by infection with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. It may also be caused by food poisoning, allergic reactions, or reactions to certain medicines or foods.

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. Most cases are infectious, although gastroenteritis may occur after ingestion of drugs and chemical toxins (eg, metals, plant substances). Acquisition may be foodborne, waterborne, person-to-person spread, or occasionally through zoonotic spread....

Gastroenteritis, acute infectious syndrome of the stomach lining and the intestine. It is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms can include nausea, fever, and chills. The severity of gastroenteritis varies from a sudden but transient attack of diarrhea to severe...