Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment (1) - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment (1)

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Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a medical condition that is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation is mainly caused due to a pathogenic infection. – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment (1)


1
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
2
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
  • Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a
    medical condition that is characterised by
    inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The
    inflammation is mainly caused due to a pathogenic
    infection. The causal organism may be a virus,
    fungus, parasite or bacterium. Though the
    incidence of viral stomach flu is definitely
    higher than a bacterial infection in stomach and
    intestines, consumption of contaminated food may
    provide bacteria an opportunity to travel to the
    gastrointestinal tract. Once bacteria find a way
    into the gastrointestinal tract, they start
    multiplying. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal
    tract is the direct result of the spurt in the
    bacterial growth. Given below is some information
    on bacteria that cause inflammation of the
    digestive tract along with bacterial
    gastroenteritis symptoms and treatment options.

3
Bacteria that commonly cause gastroenteritis
  • Bacterial infection in stomach and intestines is
    mainly caused due to consumption of contaminated
    food or water. At times, the way the food items
    are handled or stored at grocery stores or the
    way in which these foods are prepared at the food
    joints may be responsible for contamination of
    food items. Campylobacter jejuni,
    Clostridium, Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia
    coli or Staphylococcus aureus figure in the list
    of common bacteria that may cause stomach flu. 
  • The symptoms usually appear soon after the
    ingestion of contaminated water or foods. As the
    bacteria grow in numbers, they may also react
    with the food present inside the gastrointestinal
    tract, and start producing toxins. This leads to
    the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

4
Bacteria that commonly cause gastroenteritis
Continue
  • Since some of the bacteria may be found in
    poultry, it is essential that you wash your hands
    after handling animals that may be infected.
    Those who don't do so, are at an increased risk
    of developing gastroenteritis. Sometimes bacteria
    may be present in human faeces, and if the
    infected person doesn't wash his hands properly
    after defecating, the surfaces or objects he/she
    touches may become contaminated. It is therefore,
    essential that one pays attention to hygiene.

5
Symptoms
  • Diarrhoea  is a characteristic sign of
    gastroenteritis. As bacteria enter the digestive
    tract, they start acting on the partly digested
    food. The toxins that may either be present in
    the contaminated food, or may be generated as the
    bacteria act on the contents of the stomach or
    the intestinal tract, may further cause
    inflammation of the stomach and the intestines.
    The digestive process would naturally be
    adversely affected on account of inflammation.
    Since the absorption of nutrients or water may be
    impacted, one is most likely to suffer
    from watery stools or diarrhoea. Vomiting,
    nausea, bloating or abdominal cramping may also
    be experienced by the sufferer. Since there may
    be a significant loss of fluids owing to
    diarrhoea or vomiting, one may also feel
    lightheaded or weak due to dehydration. One may
    also suffer from loss of appetite, dry mouth,
    nausea or fever. In severe cases, traces of blood
    may be present in stools.

6
Treatments
  • Complete blood test, blood culture, stool test
     and physical examination can help the doctors in
    formulating a diagnosis. The doctors may follow a
    symptomatic approach, and prescribe drugs to
    counter diarrhoea or vomiting. Analgesics may be
    prescribed if one is suffering from pain.
    Antibiotics would also be prescribed for killing
    the bacteria and also to prevent them from
    multiplying further. Since one may lose a lot of
    fluids, there is a need to compensate for the
    fluid loss. One must drink water at regular
    intervals. In case of severe dehydration, one may
    need to take an oral rehydration solution to
    replenish the body with electrolytes or necessary
    nutrients.Though one may suffer from a loss of
    appetite and may feel repulsed even at the sight
    of food, there is a need to gradually start
    having small amounts of easily digestible foods.
    It would be best to consult the doctor and follow
    the guidelines given by the gastroenterologist reg
    arding diet for gastroenteritis.

7
Treatments
Continue
  • Even after one has recovered fully, one must
    refrain from consuming street food for a while.
    One must also pay attention to hygiene and handle
    food items and cook them after washing hands.
    Since poultry or other meats may be carriers of
    bacteria, make sure that you buy them from a
    place where they are stored and handled properly.
  • This was some information on the symptoms of a
    bacterial infection in the stomach and the
    intestines. A person suffering from stomach flu
    is most likely to experience severe discomfort
    due to diarrhoea or vomiting. Since bacterial
    gastroenteritis can cause distressing symptoms,
    the wise thing to do would be to consult a
    gastroenterologist for getting this condition
    treated at the earliest.

8
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