Gastroenteritis

The usual symptoms of Gastroenteritis are diarrhoea, vomiting, strong stomach pains, and often a high temperature and headache. The vomiting generally lasts 1 to 2 days, and the diarrhoea for 1 to 4 days

The common causes of gastroenteritis are:

• a virus passed from one person to another, or by a person with gastroenteritis preparing food
• bacteria such as campylobacter and salmonella that cause food poisoning
• water contaminated by bacteria is a common cause in countries with poor sanitation

Patients with gastroenteritis usually improve in 2 to 3 days, and the most important thing is to keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This is essential in small children and infants. You can buy rehydration sachets from your pharmacy, and these contain measured salts and sugars to restore your electrolyte balance. They will not cure your gastroenteritis, but will make it easier to prevent dehydration

You should try to eat as soon as you can, and the best foods to try are those containing carbohydrates, for example bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. If your appetite has not returned make sure you continue drinking

Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not recommended. They will reduce the diarrhoea, but tend to make it last longer. Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to young children. They are unsafe to give to children due to possible complications

Hygiene
To reduce the risk of passing gastroenteritis onto other members of your household or family you should:

• wash your hands properly after going to the toilet, and use a separate towel
• do not prepare food for others
• keep the toilet clean, use a disinfectant spray on the seat and handle
• if you work with food or in a healthcare environment you should stay off work until you have had no diarrhoea or vomiting for 48 hours

If symptoms are severe, or persist, a doctor may ask for a sample of the diarrhoea. This is sent to the laboratory to look for infecting bugs (bacteria, parasites, etc). Sometimes an antibiotic or other treatments are needed

You should see a doctor if:

• you have persistent vomiting and are unable to drink fluids
• you have drowsiness or confusion
• the diarrhoea is not beginning to settle after 4 days
• you have severe abdominal pain
• there is blood mixed with the diarrhoea - do not use anti-diarrhoea medicines if you pass blood with the diarrhoea
• if other symptoms occur that you are concerned about - particularly in children and infants
• you have recently returned from travelling abroad
• you are a food handler e.g. cook, waitress etc. as there may be work restrictions

Admission to hospital is sometimes needed if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop

Source: LSMP

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Last revision: April 2011