Healthy Lifestyle Radio Storytime

Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the intestines that causes vomiting and diarrhea. The cause is bacteria, viruses and other germs. Most attacks go away by themselves within a few days. If diarrhea and vomiting are severe, there may be dehydration, which is the lack of water in the body. This can be serious in infants and young children.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea and vomiting. Many people also have stomach pain, fever (high temperature), and headache. Symptoms usually last only a few days but can last a week.

If you have diarrhea and vomiting severe or lasts long enough, can become dehydrated. This means that the body has enough water. Symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth with thick tongue and a number of small and very dark urine.

Causes

Viruses are the leading cause of gastroenteritis. Viruses are easily spread from one person to another through close contact or when an infected person prepares food for others. Sometimes food poisoning is the cause of gastroenteritis. There are many types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, such as Escherichia coli and salmonella. Water contaminated by bacteria is a common cause, especially in countries with poor sanitation.