Viral Gastroenteritis

Definition

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a virus.

The Intestines

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Causes

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by one of several viruses that assault the intestines. The viruses are usually spread through contact with someone who is infected or with something an infected person touched. Viral gastroenteritis also can spread through food or water that is contaminated.

Risk Factors

Viral gastroenteritis is more common in children and child care centers and in older adults in nursing homes.

Risk factors for viral gastroenteritis include group settings, such as:

• Cruise ships
• College dormitories
• Campgrounds

Symptoms

The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually begin between 1-2 days after you’re exposed to the virus. The illness usually lasts 1-2 days, but it can rarely last for up to 10 days.

Symptoms may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (losing more water than you take in), especially in children.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may also order a stool culture. This test looks for bacteria in a stool sample, which would indicate a different type of illness.

Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics are not helpful for infections caused by a virus. However, there are a number of things you can do to be more comfortable and avoid dehydration.

• Fluids—It is important to drink fluids to replace those you’ve lost when sick. Take small sips of water, suck on ice chips, or drink clear soda or noncaffeinated sports drinks. Give your child an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte) instead of water.
• Diet—Gradually begin to eat bland foods, such as toast, crackers, bananas, rice, chicken, and potatoes. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, fatty foods, and spicy foods until you’re feeling better. If you’re breastfeeding an infant who is sick, continue to breastfeed. If your baby is bottle-fed, give him or her oral rehydration solution or formula.
• Rest—Make sure you get enough rest while you’re sick and when you’re recovering. If your child is sick, make sure he or she gets plenty of rest.

Call your doctor if you:

• Can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours
• Vomit blood
• Have bloody diarrhea
• Have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (98 degrees Celsius)
• Vomit for more than 2 days
• Have signs of dehydration:
  • Lightheadedness
  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Dark urine
  • Little or no urine

Call your doctor if your child:

• Is under 6 months of age
• Has a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius) or higher
• Seems tired or irritable
• Has bloody diarrhea
• Has stomach pain
• Has signs of dehydration:
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Dry lips and mouth
  • No tears when crying
  • Dark urine
  • Not urinating very much (for example, no wet diaper in 3 hours)
  • Feeling thirsty, but vomiting after drinking fluids

Prevention

You can take several steps to prevent viral gastroenteritis:

• If possible, avoid contact with people who have the condition.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly. Use warm water and soap, rub vigorously, and rinse well.
• Help your children wash their hands thoroughly.
• Use bleach to disinfect contaminated surfaces in your home (toilet, sink faucet in bathroom).
• Don’t share personal items, such as toothbrush, towels, and drinking glasses.
• Take special care when traveling to countries that are more likely to have contaminated food and water. Only drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and don’t eat raw foods, including vegetables.