Gastroenteritis Symptoms And What You Need To Know

Acute gastroenteritis is a commonly seen condition in clinical practice, often referred to as an upset stomach or stomach flu. It tends to occur more frequently during the summer and autumn seasons and is usually caused by improper diet. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with some also developing a fever. The causes of acute gastroenteritis can be divided into viral and bacterial infections. Bacterial infections generally lead to more severe symptoms and longer illness duration, often including fever and blood in the stool, along with high levels of red and white blood cells found in lab tests. In contrast, viral infections can occur at any time of year and are typically self-limiting in nature. With proper symptomatic and supportive care, most patients recover within one to two weeks.

Chronic gastroenteritis includes chronic gastritis and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Chronic gastritis may present with symptoms like dull or burning pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, nausea, acid reflux, and heartburn. On the other hand, chronic intestinal inflammatory conditions mainly include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which fall under the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These conditions commonly cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever, and require long-term medical management. Understanding the differences between acute and chronic forms of gastroenteritis is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment planning.