Description
An inflammation of the stomach and/or intestinal lining. It is one of the most common causes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis has numerous causes: including infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, etc.), food poisoning, and stress. This disorder can be very serious in the very young and very old causing life threatening dehydration. Internationally this is one of the leading causes of death of patients of all ages.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or pain, fever, weakness, dizziness. Occasionally, bleeding complicates gastroenteritis.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests include stool studies to identify the organism responsible for the infection.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase
Other Specific Tests: Stool ova and parasite exam, Stool WBC's, Stool culture, Urinalysis (UA)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests include stool studies to identify the organism responsible for the infection.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase
Other Specific Tests: Stool ova and parasite exam, Stool WBC's, Stool culture, Urinalysis (UA)
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment includes: fluids (by mouth, or, if necessary, intravenously), anti-nausea medications, and anti-diarrheal medications. Hospitalization may be recommended for marked dehydration.