Pronounced: gas-tro-EN-ter-ite-is
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a virus.
Viral gastroenteritis is caused by one of several viruses that assault the intestines. The viruses are usually spread through contact with someone who is infected or with something he or she touched. Viral gastroenteritis also can spread through food or water that is contaminated.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for viral gastroenteritis include:
The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually begin between 1 to 2 days after you’re exposed to the virus. The illness usually lasts 1 to 2 days, but it can rarely last for up to 10 days.
Symptoms may include:
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (losing more water than you take in), especially in children.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also order a stool culture. This test looks for bacteria in a stool sample, which would indicate a different type of illness.
There is no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics are not helpful for infections caused by a virus. However, there are a number of things you can do to be more comfortable and avoid dehydration.
Call your doctor if you:
Call your doctor if your child:
If you are diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis, follow your doctor's instructions.
You can take several steps to prevent viral gastroenteritis:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
Mayo Clinic
http://www.MayoClinic.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide, British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://www.bchealthguide.org
The Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Alberta Government
http://www.health.gov.ab.ca
References:
Viral gastroenteritis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm . Accessed August 21, 2005.
Viral gastroenteritis. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=E31CB1FE-4C04-4B05-A67DF0EEF09823B7 . Accessed August 21, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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