How to Tell If You Have Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, typically presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be an indication of acute gastroenteritis. However, not all cases display the full range of symptoms. Mild forms of the condition might only involve slightly loose stools, occurring perhaps once or twice a day, along with irregular bowel movements, absence of blood in the stool, presence of mucus, or undigested food particles like vegetable leaves.

One effective method for determining the cause is to collect a stool sample and have it analyzed at a medical facility. If the stool test shows a high level of white blood cells, it likely indicates bacterial infection causing intestinal inflammation, which usually requires antibiotic treatment. Conversely, if there are no white blood cells detected but the stool appears slightly loose and symptoms have only recently begun—lasting just two to three days—it could suggest a viral infection.

Persistent irregular bowel movements over a longer period may not necessarily point to gastroenteritis; in some cases, it could signal more serious conditions such as colon cancer. Therefore, it's highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care if symptoms persist.