Gastroenteritis Flashcards

1
Q

What is gastroenteritis?

A

Acute inflammation of the lining of the GI tract, manifested by N+V, diarrhoea + abdominal discomfort.

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2
Q

Give 3 epidemiological facts about gastroenteritis

A

COMMON
20% UK develop yearly
Serious cause of morbidity + mortality in developing world

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3
Q

What are 4 causes of gastroenteritis?

A

Viruses
Bacteria
Protozoa
Toxins in contaminated food or water (faecal-oral route)

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4
Q

List 3 viral causes of gastroenteritis

A

Rotavirus
Adenovirus
Norovirus

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5
Q

List 4 bacterial causes of gastroenteritis

A

Campylobacter jejuni
Escherichia coli (esp. O157)
Salmonella
Shigella

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6
Q

List 3 protazoal causes of gastroenteritis

A

Entamoeba histolytica
Cryptosporidium parvum
Giardia lamblia

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7
Q

List 3 sources of toxins that may cause gastroenteritis

A

Staphylococcus aureus
Clostridium perfringens
Bacillus cereus

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8
Q

List 3 commonly contaminated foods that may cause gastroenteritis

A

Improperly cooked meat
Old/ reheated rice
Eggs + poultry

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9
Q

List 3 risk factors for gastroenteritis

A

Poor personal hygiene + lack of sanitation
Immunosuppression
Achlorhydria

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10
Q

List 4 symptoms of gastroenteritis

A

N+V
DIARRHOEA (bloody or watery)
Abdominal pain/ discomfort
Fever + malaise

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11
Q

List 3 signs of gastroenteritis on examination

A

Diffuse abdominal tenderness
Abdominal distension
Bowel sounds are often INCREASED

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12
Q

What should you ask the patient about in suspected gastroenteritis?

A

Recent travel
Abx use
Recent food intake (how food was cooked, sourced + if anyone else is ill)

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13
Q

What is the difference in onset of symptoms between types of gastroenteritis?

A

Toxins = early (1-24 hours)

Bacterial/ viral/ protozoal = 12+ hours

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14
Q

List 4 signs seen in In SEVERE gastroenteritis

A

Pyrexia
Dehydration
Hypotension
Peripheral shutdown

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15
Q

What are the bloods tested in suspected gastroenteritis?

A

FBC
Blood culture (identify bacteraemia)
U+Es (dehydration)

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16
Q

Why is a stool sample taken in suspected gastroenteritis?

A

Faecal microscopy + analysis for toxins (e.g. C. difficile toxin)

17
Q

Why is an AXR or US performed in suspected gastroenteritis?

A

To exclude other causes of abdominal pain (e.g. bowel perforation)

18
Q

When is a sigmoidoscopy performed in suspected gastroenteritis?

A

If IBD needs to be excluded

19
Q

What does management of gastroenteritis involve?

A

Most cases are self-limiting
Bed rest
Fluid + electrolyte replacement with oral rehydration solution (glucose + salt)
IV rehydration in those with severe vomiting

20
Q

When are antibiotics indicated in gastroenteritis?

A

If case is due to a known bacterial or protozoal cause

21
Q

List 6 complications of gastroenteritis

A
Dehydration  
Electrolyte imbalance  
Reactive complications e.g. arthritis
Secondary lactose intolerance 
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome after CMV
22
Q

Describe the prognosis of gastroenteritis

A

Good prognosis as most cases are self-limiting