Gastroenteritis Flashcards
What is gastroenteritis?
Inflammation of the GI tract usually due to infective causes
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Transient: Diarrhoea (with or without blood or mucus) Vomiting Abdominal pain - cramp like Dehydrated often Potential pyrexia
Night sweats and weight lose
What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis?
Viral - 30-40%
What are the different length of time between ingestion of food and onset of symptoms?
Bacterial toxins = hours
Virus = days
Bacteria = weeks
Parasites = months
What is travellers diarrhoea?
More the 3 loose stools commencing with 24 hrs of foreign travel, with or without cramps, nausea, fever or vomiting
What are the risk factors for gastroenteritis?
Poor food preparation
Immunocompromised
Poor personal hygiene
What is dysentery?
gastroenteritis with loose stools with blood and mucus
What are specific feature of a gastroenteritis history to note?
Bowel movements
Affected family and friends
Recent travel
Use of antibiotics within previous 4 weeks - c.difficile?
What are specific rare complications of gastroenteritis?
Gillian barre syndrome
Reactive arthritis
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What investigations could be requested in gastroenteritis?
Not usually required as self limiting
Stool culture - especially if blood or mucus or if immunocompromised or severe or persistent
What is the general management for gastroenteritis?
Rehydration - encourage oral but if severe admit for IV
Education to prevent future episodes
Exclusion from work - 48 hrs from last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea
Food poisoning and bloody diarrhoea are notifiable disease and certain organisms such as campylobacter and salmonella
