Gastroenteritis

What is Gastroenteritis?
An inflammation of the stomach and intestines with many possible causes, such as: bacteria (responsible for acute food poisoning), parasites, food intolerances, drugs (antibiotics in particular) or most commonly viral infections. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and/or pain and a general feeling of tiredness.

What to do to feel better?
Treatment is based on patient history. If symptoms are related to food intolerances or drugs---stopping the medication or avoiding the food allergen will usually result in clearing of symptoms within 24 hours. Generally,  a fever is not associated with drug/food intolerances.

Treatment for viral symptoms (which can include all the above symptoms) should be: a modified diet-nothing to eat or drink for 2 hrs. after vomiting to allow the stomach to rest, then progress to sips of clear liquids (water, ginger-ale, 7Up, Kool-aid, Jello or broth). After 24 hours progress to a bland diet (dry toast, crackers, clear soups, applesauce, bananas etc.). Avoid spicy or fatty food as well as MILK PRODUCTS and FRUIT JUICES until feeling better. Advance to regular diet as tolerated. Also, Pepto-Bismol for nausea and Kaopectate for diarrhea may be used.

In cases where the diagnosis is probable food poisoning a complete history of symptoms should be obtained, i.e. recent meals and other known food poisonings. Foods associated with this are eggs, poultry, custards, raw seafood, contaminated water and uncooked meats. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping 1-6 hours after ingestion of contaminated foods. Symptoms usually subside on their own within 18 hours and complete recovery is in 1-3 days. Some bacteria may take up to 36 hours after ingestion to cause symptoms and will resolve in 5-14 days without specific treatment or intervention.

When should I see the nurse?
*Temp. greater than 100.5
*Blood noted with vomiting and/or diarrhea
*Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 4 days
*Unable to keep any FLUIDS down for more than 24 hrs.
*Known ingestion of contaminated food

Student Health Services     Sondra Stipcak, Nurse Director    Phone:570-321-4322