Gastroenteritis

Question 1

What is Gastroenteritis?

Answer 1

• Stomach/intestines become inflamed/irritated.

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

• Viruses: contagious, rota virus, norovirus, adenovirus, arbovirus
  -Bacteria: salmonella/campylobacter: contaminated food/water
• Parasites: guardia and cryptosporidum–developing countries
• Toxins:
  Stomach/intestines become inflamed/irritated.Staph A (release toxins), clostridium difficult (produce toxin damage lining of intestine)
• Non infectious cases : allergies/chronic conditions/intolerances/meds

Question 3

Pathophysiology

Answer 3

• Pathogens (viruses) invade GI tract via contaminated food. Water, direct contact (person-person)
• Target epithelial cells that line intestines
• Viral gastroenteritis: viruses target epithelial cells of small intestine.
• Bacterial gastroenteritis: target various parts of GI tract
• Pathogens adhere to epithelial cell surface and begin their process.
• Pathogens release toxin/enzymes that impacts epithelial barrier = increased permeability
• High amount of fluid and electrolytes into intestinal lumen= impair absorption function of gut = diarrhoea
• Inflammation induced = release of inflammatory mediators (cytokines)
• Balance of gut microbiota disturbed = infected likely

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

• Contaminated food and water
• Poor hygiene
• Close contact with those infected
• Weak immune system : HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy users, chronic conditions
• Age: infants, young children, elderly
• Going to underdeveloped/developing countries
• Community settings: nursing homes, schools, cruise shops, daycare centres

Question 5

Signs/symptoms

Answer 5

• Contaminated food and water
• Poor hygiene
• Close contact with those infected
• Weak immune system : HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy users, chronic conditions
• Age: infants, young children, elderly
• Going to underdeveloped/developing countries
• Community settings: nursing homes, schools, cruise shops, daycare centres

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

• Medical history/GI examination
• Stool sample
• FBC: elevated WBC count = inflammatory response
• Imaging studies: abdo x ray/ultrasound

Question 7

Management

Answer 7

• Oral rehydration therapy: 1st line mild-moderate cases
• IV required if oral rehydration therapy flops.
• Antiemetic meds: help with nausea/vomiting
• Good hygiene
• Avoid usual work/outside environment for 48 hours