Gastroenteritis Flashcards
What is acute gastritis?
Inflammation of the stomach, presenting with epigastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
What is enteritis?
Inflammation of the intestines, presenting with abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
What is gastroenteritis?
Inflammation from the stomach to the intestines, presenting with pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
What are the common viral causes of gastroenteritis?
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Adenovirus (typically causes respiratory symptoms)
How is Escherichia coli (E. coli) transmitted?
Spread through contact with infected faeces, unwashed salads, and contaminated water.
Which strain of E. coli causes gastroenteritis?
E. coli O157 produces Shiga toxin, leading to abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
Why should antibiotics be avoided in cases of E. coli O157 gastroenteritis?
Antibiotics increase the risk of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
What is the common source of infection for Campylobacter jejuni?
- Raw or improperly cooked poultry
- Untreated water
- Unpasteurised milk
What are the symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection?
Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea (often bloody), vomiting, and fever.
How is Campylobacter jejuni infection treated?
Antibiotics like clarithromycin, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin may be used for severe cases.
How is Shigella transmitted?
Through person-to-person contact or contaminated water/food.
What are the treatment options for Shigella infection?
Azithromycin or ciprofloxacin for severe cases.
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
Watery diarrhoea (may be bloody), abdominal pain, vomiting.
When should antibiotics be used for Salmonella infection?
Only for severe cases, guided by stool culture and sensitivities (e.g., ciprofloxacin).
What is the source of Bacillus cereus infection?
Contaminated cooked food, especially rice or pasta left at room temperature.
How does Bacillus cereus infection present?
Vomiting within 5 hours and diarrhoea after 8 hours, resolving within 24 hours.
What is Giardiasis caused by?
The parasite Giardia lamblia, transmitted through contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms of Giardiasis?
Chronic diarrhoea.
What is the treatment for Giardiasis?
Tinidazole or metronidazole.
What is the general management for gastroenteritis?
- Rehydration is the primary concern, with oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Dioralyte)
- Antibiotics are generally not required unless the causative organism is confirmed and the patient is at risk of complications
- Isolation is important to prevent spread
When should antidiarrhoeal drugs and antiemetics be avoided in gastroenteritis?
In cases of E. coli O157, Shigella, or bloody diarrhoea, as they may worsen the condition.
What are some post-gastroenteritis complications?
- Lactose intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Reactive arthritis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
