Infective gastroenteritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is infective gastroenteritis
A
Unspecific term used to describe condition where there is a combo of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea + abdo pain
- infective origin
2
Q
how common is it
A
20% of UK pop develop each year
3
Q
What organisms cause it
A
- Norovirus
- campylobacter
- Salmonella
- rotavirus (common in children)
4
Q
How do the organisms cause it
A
- disrupts absorption of water + salts from gut –> dehydration + watery stools
5
Q
What are the risk factors for developing IGE
A
- Poor personal hygiene/sanitation
- immunocompromised e.g. AIDs
- Anchlorhydia (reduced HCl in stomach) - campylobacter + salmonella
- Poorly cooked food
- School children/teachers
6
Q
What are the symptoms
A
- Watery, non-bloody diarrhoea (blood indicates more serious infection)
- Nausea + vomiting
- Abdo cramps + pain
- Muscle aches + headaches (occasional)
- low-grade fever
- last 1-10 days
7
Q
What are some differential diagnoses
A
- Traveller’s diarrhoea
- UTI
- constipation with overflow
- gastritis - from NSAIDs or alcohol abuse
- Appendicitis
- IBD
8
Q
What investigations do you do
A
- stool (microbiology) investigation - esp if blood/mucus or pt immunocompromised
- Unwell pt - FBC, electrolytes, renal function
9
Q
How do you treat
A
- CONSERVATIVE - drink plenty
- if ++ severe symptoms –> loperamide (anti-motility), metoclopramide (antiemetic)
- Hospital admission if sev hydrated or underlying condition
