Viral gastroenteritis manifests abruptly with vomiting and watery diarrhoea, often accompanied by lowgrade fever and abdominal cramps. Viruses cause about 70% of episodes of infectious diarrhea in the pediatric age group. Persontoperson transmission also occurs because the virus is highly contagious. Executive summary norovirus gastroenteritis infections and outbreaks have been increasingly described and reported in both non. Food poisoning, such as from eggs, raw vegetables, shellfish, or. Gastroenteritis flu can be caused by many different kinds of viruses. If vomiting is a problem, try sipping small amounts of clear liquids. Viral gastroenteritis stomach flu brown university.
You may develop diarrhoea, sickness vomiting, tummy abdominal pain and other symptoms. To differentiate viral gastroenteritis from gastroenteritis caused by bacterial agents on the basis of clinical manifestations alone is often difficult, and laboratory tests are required to make a specific. Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Viral gastroenteritis stomach flu symptoms and causes. To differentiate viral gastroenteritis from gastroenteritis caused by bacterial agents on the basis of clinical manifestations alone is often difficult, and laboratory tests are required to make a. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. This care plan for gastroenteritis focuses on the initial management in a nonacute care setting. The viruses are easily spread from person to person. L a v a r s e l a s m a n o s correctamente puede evitar contagios. Bacteria, toxins, and parasites also can cause gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis, or viral diarrhea, is perhaps the most common type of diarrhea worldwide. Its usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
Infected people can spread the virus through their secretions, sometimes even before their. Rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus are known to cause viral gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for over 1. Although the course of disease is in most cases selflimiting, young, elderly, and immunocompromised persons are at risk for. Multiplex pcr tests for detection of pathogens associated. Fecal specimens submitted for routine bacterial culture through a health maintenance organization in georgia, usa, were tested with molecular diagnostic assays for. Signs and symptoms of typical acute viral gastroenteritis include acute onset of diarrhea, often with preceding vomiting, and. Noroviruses are the primary cause of epidemic viral gastroenteritis and the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in the united states. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract the pathway responsible for digestion that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Unlike most viruses, norovirus heads directly to your intestines instead of harming any other organs. Viral gastroenteritis generally presents a similar clinical picturewhatever the virus requiring laboratory investigation for establishing its etiology. Acute viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of illness resulting in visits to the emergency department and outpatient clinics in the united states. Thorough washing of hands with soap and running water are vital to prevent spread. Acute gastroenteritis american academy of pediatrics.
When you have viral gastroenteritis, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration. Approximately 179 million cases of acute gastroenteritis age occur annually in the united states. In 2011, regional virus laboratory of royal victoria hospital, belfast, northern ireland has developed and validated a multiplex taqman assay for the detection of viral gastroenteritis 45. Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach and intestines. The vomiting may settle quickly, but the diarrhoea can last up to 10 days. Incidence of acute gastroenteritis and role of norovirus. Conservative estimates put diarrhea in the top 5 causes of deaths worldwide, with most occurring in young children in nonindustrialized countries. In adults, the two most common causes of gastroenteritis are viral and bacterial infections. Viral gastroenteritis is often called the flu or the stomach flu, and should not be confused with the influenza virus that is transmitted through the air and causes different symptoms. Stomach flu is caused by swallowing certain viruses. You can treat the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea at home by staying hydrated. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut intestines with viruses, bacteria or other microbes. Causes of infectious gastroenteritis causes of infectious gastroenteritis in new zealand are listed in table 1.
Acute gastroenteritis is an extremely common illness among infants and children worldwide. Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus. The stomach flu is spread from person to person, usually via fecal to oral route from poor handwashing or hygiene techniques. Viral gastroenteritis typically presents with short prodrome, with mild fever and vomiting, followed by 14 days of nonbloody, watery diarrhea. Hospitalization may be needed for clients who experience severe dehydration as a result of the vomiting and diarrhea. Viral gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Guideline for the prevention and control of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in healthcare settings 2011 last update. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Novel surveillance network for norovirus gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis can affect any age but is particularly common in children. According to the centers for disease control and prevention cdc, acute diarrhea among children in the united states accounts for more than 1. However, lack of routine clinical testing for viruses limits understanding of their role among persons seeking medical care. Acute gastroenteritis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Your doctor will likely diagnose gastroenteritis based on symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the presence of similar cases in your community. When gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, usually there is no medical treatment needed. Drink a lot of clear liquids, including sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions such as pedialyte.
Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the stomach and small intestine. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines commonly caused by norovirus, formerly called norwalklike viruses. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis often called stomach flu is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Campylobacter is the most frequently identified pathogen followed by salmonella and giardia. Gastroenteritis is also sometimes referred to as stomach flu, even though it may not be related to influenza how common is gastroenteritis.
The clinical spectrum of acute viral gastroenteritis ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe dehydration and death. The assay probes for 4 different viruses, rotavirus, norovirus genogroups i and ii. Isbn 0954017749 national guidelines on the management of outbreaks of norovirus infection in healthcare settings prepared by the viral gastroenteritis subcommittee of the scientific advisory committee of the. Gastroenteritis merck manuals professional edition. Some of the causes of gastroenteritis include viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, particular chemicals and some drugs. Outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis can also occur regularly in places where a lot of people gather, such as cruise ships, college dormitories, daycare centers, or nursing homes. Gastroenteritis infecciosa lidia florit serra hospital universitari joan xxiii. Viral gastroenteritis in otherwise healthy adults, viral infections of the digestive tract. Assessment and management of infectious gastroenteritis. An ebook reader can be a software application for use on a computer such as microsofts free reader application, or a booksized computer the is used solely as a reading device such as nuvomedias rocket ebook. Once a particle reaches the small intestine, it acts like a normal virus and immediately latches itself onto a nearby cell. It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children.
Viral gastroenteritis an overview sciencedirect topics. It just takes time for the viral infection to run its course. Norovirus is now the principal cause of sporadic and epidemic viral gastroenteritis in all age groups. Gastroenteritis is an irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines that causes. Gastroenteritis infecciosa pediatria linkedin slideshare. Guideline for the prevention and control of norovirus. Treatment of viral gastroenteritis stomach flu niddk. Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. Stomach flu gastroenteritis symptoms, signs treatment. Stomach flu or gastroenteritis infection signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that lasts for about seven to 14 days. Norovirus is commonly associated with outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in institutions, cruise ships and after social functions. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children, and produces similar rates in both the developed and developing world. Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is usually based on symptoms alone. It can be caused by many different viruses, such as.
Other forms of gastroenteritis include food poisoning, cholera, and travelers diarrhea, which develops within a few days after traveling to a country or. Gastroenteritis is commonly caused by viral infections resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastro can be caused by many different germs, although the most common cause of gastro is a viral infection. Gastroenteritis is a shortterm illness triggered by the infection and inflammation of the digestive system. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy prepared by caleb k. Here are four 4 nursing care plans ncp for gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is transmitted from person to person. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, but there are no quick tests for other viruses that cause gastroenteritis. In addition, acute viral gastroenteritis causes outbreaks in certain closed communities, such as nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships. Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve over time without speciic treatment. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines that causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms of digestive upset. Gastroenteritis gastro is a bowel infection that causes diarrhoea runny, watery poo and sometimes vomiting throwing up.