Gastroenteritis
Also called intestinal flu, traveler’s diarrhea, viral enteritis, and food poisoning, gastroenteritis is a self-limiting disorder characterized by diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. It occurs in all age-groups and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped nations.
It can also be life-threatening in elderly and debilitated people.
Causes
Gastroenteritis has many possible causes, including the following:
bacteria (responsible for acute food poisoning)—Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens
amoebae—especially Entamoeba histolytica
parasites—Ascaris, Enterobius, Trichinella spiralis
viruses (may be responsible for traveler’s diarrhea)—adenovirus, echovirus, or coxsackievirus
ingestion of toxins—plants or toadstools (mushrooms)
drug reactions—antibiotics
enzyme deficiencies
food allergens.
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