What kind of disease is infectious gastroenteritis?
Infectious gastroenteritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines due to infection by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
A variety of pathogens can cause it, but the main viruses include norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, and the main bacteria include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
These pathogens enter the mouth via food or hands or objects with pathogens on them, causing infection.
It is called "food poisoning," especially when it is caused by food.
For example, norovirus is often detected in oysters and other bivalves, Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood, E. coli in beef, Salmonella in chicken and eggs, and Campylobacter in chicken meat.
In addition to food, viruses and bacteria in the stools and vomit of infected persons are also known to be transmitted on hands and objects.
The incubation period between infection and onset of symptoms varies depending on the causative agent, with some pathogens developing symptoms within a few hours and others after about a week.
In most cases, symptoms improve within a few days, but some complications can occur and become severe.
Campylobacter can cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease that causes weakness in the hands and feet; Salmonella can cause meningitis, a disease in which the bacteria infect the brain and spinal cord; and enterohemorrhagic E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic toxin syndrome, a disease in which small blood clots form and cause organ damage throughout the body Enterohemorrhagic E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic toxin syndrome, a disease in which small blood clots form and cause organ damage.
What are the symptoms of infectious gastroenteritis?
The main symptoms of infectious gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.
The duration of symptoms depends on the pathogen, but often ranges from one day to a week.
What tests are performed when infectious gastroenteritis is suspected?
Mild cases of gastroenteritis often do not require testing.
In cases of severe disease or when the risk of severe disease is high, stool tests are performed as necessary to determine the causative pathogen.
In severe cases, blood tests may be performed to check for complications such as dehydration or other organ abnormalities.
What is the treatment for infectious gastroenteritis?
In the case of viral gastroenteritis, there are no drugs that are directly effective against the virus, so treatment focuses on suppressing symptoms.
Antipyretic analgesics are used for fever and pain, and anti-nausea drugs are used for nausea.
Anti-diarrheal medications are generally not used because they delay the expulsion of pathogens, but they may be used depending on the progress.
It is important to drink fluids because diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration.
If the patient does not get enough fluids, an intravenous drip may be necessary.
In the case of bacterial gastroenteritis, mild cases are treated by suppressing symptoms and waiting for the patient to recover, but in severe cases, antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) may be used as needed.
What tests and treatments for infectious gastroenteritis can be performed at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for infectious gastroenteritis can be performed at our clinic.
Examination: blood test, valve examination
Treatment: Prescription of medication
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We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
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