Young Man Develops Infectious Gastroenteritis Linked to Poor Eating Habits

A 24-year-old male with no prior medical history visited the hospital suffering from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The symptoms began approximately two hours after consuming excessive amounts of cold beverages, beer, spicy food, and grilled dishes during a dinner with friends. Initially, he experienced paste-like stools that later turned into yellow watery bowel movements. Upon admission, he was diagnosed with infectious gastroenteritis after a comprehensive evaluation. His treatment included mucosal protection, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and intravenous hydration. After five days of hospitalization, his condition significantly improved, with complete resolution of abdominal discomfort and normalization of laboratory markers.

Initial Consultation

The patient arrived at the fever clinic showing signs of mild dehydration along with fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. He had consumed several gastrointestinal irritants the previous evening, including cold drinks, beer, spicy hot pot, and grilled skewers. Two hours later, he began experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including yellow mucus in his vomit and progressive diarrhea with mucus present. Despite taking over-the-counter loperamide, his condition did not improve. His temperature reached 38.6°C, accompanied by chills and fatigue. Physical examination revealed slight abdominal tenderness but no rebound tenderness. Blood tests showed elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts, while stool analysis indicated increased red and white blood cells with positive occult blood. Based on these findings, he was admitted with a diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis.

Treatment Process

Upon admission, his vital signs were unstable, with a blood pressure of 90/58 mmHg and heart rate of 102 bpm. Immediate intervention included intravenous hydration using glucose saline, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium chloride, and Compound potassium dihydrogen phosphate injection to maintain electrolyte balance. Oral medicines such as rehabilitation solution for mass healing, combined with norfloxacin capsules and compound berberine tablets for their antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal properties, were administered. By evening, his fever subsided and bowel frequency decreased. Abdominal imaging ruled out appendicitis or intra-abdominal abscesses. Over the next three days, his condition continued to improve with reduced abdominal discomfort and better appetite.

Treatment Outcome

By the third day of hospitalization, his body temperature normalized and gastrointestinal symptoms eased. On the fifth day, he no longer experienced nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. His stool returned to normal consistency, and follow-up lab work showed significant improvement in both blood and stool parameters. Liver and kidney function remained within normal limits. With stable vitals and full symptom relief, he was discharged after five days of treatment with instructions to seek care if symptoms reoccurred.

Lifestyle Recommendations Post-Recovery

Although the patient achieved clinical recovery, it's essential to continue protecting the gastrointestinal tract post-illness. Key lifestyle adjustments include:

Maintaining regular meal times and avoiding overeating or skipping meals;

Consuming balanced meals rich in vegetables and fruits while limiting spicy, greasy, and cold foods;

Avoiding stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and smoking;

Prioritizing rest, managing stress, and being cautious with medications that may harm the gut.

Medical Insight

Gastrointestinal infections are commonly linked to poor dietary choices or consumption of spoiled food. While younger individuals may recover quickly due to stronger immune systems, vulnerable populations like children and the elderly face higher risks of complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and septic shock. This case highlights the importance of mindful eating habits to prevent unnecessary health consequences. Prioritizing digestive wellness through healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes.