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| '''For patient information click [[Viral gastroenteritis (patient information)|here]]''' | | '''For patient information click [[Viral gastroenteritis (patient information)|here]]''' |
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| {{CMG}} | | {{CMG}} |
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| == Overview ==
| | {{Viral gastroenteritis}} |
| Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.
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| == Epidemiology and Demographics ==
| | {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}} |
| Viral gastroenteritis affects people in all parts of the world. Each virus has its own seasonal activity. For example, in the United States, rotavirus and astrovirus infections occur during the cooler months of the year (October to April), whereas adenovirus infections occur throughout the year. Norovirus outbreaks can occur in institutional settings, such as schools, child care facilities, and nursing homes, and can occur in other group settings, such as banquet halls, cruise ships, dormitories, and campgrounds.
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| Anyone can get it. Viral gastroenteritis occurs in people of all ages and backgrounds. However, some viruses tend to cause diarrheal disease primarily among people in specific age groups. Rotavirus and norovirus infections are the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children under 5 years old. Adenoviruses and astroviruses cause diarrhea mostly in young children, but older children and adults can also be affected. Norwalk and Noroviruses are more likely to cause diarrhea in older children and adults.
| | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis overview|Overview]]== |
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| | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]== |
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| == Pathophysiology & Etiology== | | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]== |
| Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses,type 40 or 41, sapoviruses, and astroviruses. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli) or parasites (such as Giardia), or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar. Your doctor can determine if the diarrhea is caused by a virus or by something else.
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| Viral gastroenteritis is contagious illness. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example, by sharing food, water, or eating utensils). Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages. | | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis causes|Causes]]== |
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| ''How does food get contaminated by gastroenteritis viruses?''
| | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis differential diagnosis|Differentiating Viral Gastroenteritis from other Diseases]]== |
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| Food may be contaminated by food preparers or handlers who have viral gastroenteritis, especially if they do not wash their hands regularly after using the bathroom. Shellfish may be contaminated by sewage, and persons who eat raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from contaminated waters may get diarrhea. Drinking water can also be contaminated by sewage and be a source of spread of these viruses.
| | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]== |
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| | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis risk factors|Risk Factors]]== |
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| == Diagnosis == | | ==[[Viral gastroenteritis natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]== |
| Generally, viral gastroenteritis is diagnosed by a physician on the basis of the symptoms and medical examination of the patient. Rotavirus infection can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of a stool specimen. Tests to detect other viruses that cause gastroenteritis are not in routine use, but the viral gastroenteritis unit at CDC can assist with special analysis upon request.
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| | ==Diagnosis== |
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| === History and Symptoms ===
| | [[Viral gastroenteritis history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]] |
| The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. The affected person may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps ("stomach ache"). In general, the symptoms begin 1 to 2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may last for 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness.
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| | ==Treatment== |
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| | [[Viral gastroenteritis medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[Viral gastroenteritis future or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]] |
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| == Treatment == | | ==Case Studies== |
| The most important of treating viral gastroenteritis in children and adults is to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration). This treatment should begin at home. Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluid to give. CDC recommends that families with infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home at all times and use the solution when diarrhea first occurs in the child. ORS is available at pharmacies without a prescription. Follow the written directions on the ORS package, and use clean or boiled water. Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.
| | [[Viral gastroenteritis case study one|Case #1]] |
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| === Primary Prevention ===
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| Currently there is a licensed rotavirus vaccine available that protects against severe diarrhea from rotavirus infection in infants and young children. Studies into a norovirus vaccine are underway.
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| Persons can reduce their chance of getting infected by frequent handwashing, prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners, and prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing. If food or water is thought to be contaminated, it should be avoided.
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| == Acknowledgements ==
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| The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.
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| {{WikiDoc Sources}} | | {{WikiDoc Sources}} |
| {{WH}} | | {{WH}} |