Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis
What is it?
Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines that typically occurs due to a viral or bacterial infection. Colitis affects the colon, whereas gastroenteritis affects the stomach and intestines. The second most common illness in the United States is viral gastroenteritis. This condition is often caused by a norovirus infection. The virus spreads through contaminated food or water or contact with a person who has the infection.
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Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis.
Additional names
This group contains additional names:
- Diarrhea of Presumed Infectious Origin
- Infectious Enteritis, Colitis, and Gastroenteritis Not Otherwise Specified
- Infectious Diarrhea Not Otherwise Specified
- Enteritis, Colitis, Gastroenteritis of Presumed Infectious Origin
Signs & symptoms
Colitis symptoms vary between the different types and from person to person.
diarrhea
blood in the stool
mucus or pus in the stool
rectal bleeding
abdominal cramps and pain
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis may include:
watery diarrhea
abdominal pain or cramping
nausea
vomiting
fever
Diagnosis
Symptoms, physical exam, and sometimes the presence of similar cases in your community may help your doctor diagnose gastroenteritis. It is possible to test stool samples for viruses or bacteria in some cases.
Treatment
Colitis and gastroenteritis may require specific treatments.
Virus gastroenteritis is much easier to treat, and many people recover without medical treatment. If a person has severe diarrhea, it is critical to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Antibiotics may be prescribed in several cases of bacterial infection.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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