Viral gastroenteritis
Key points
- Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection.
- Viruses cause 30 to 40% of cases of infectious diarrhea in the U.S. and viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness, after upper respiratory infections.
- Signs and tests Stool assays for the viruses can identify the specific agent.
- The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by diarrhea.
Alternative names
Rotavirus infection; Norwalk virus; Gastroenteritis - viral
Definition
Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Viruses cause 30 to 40% of cases of infectious diarrhea in the U.S. and viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness, after upper respiratory infections.
Many types of viruses can cause gastroenteritis but the most common are rotavirus and norwalk virus. Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children and can also occur in adults exposed to children with the virus. Norwalk virus causes group-related or institutional diarrhea with peak frequency during the winter. Norwalk-like viruses are common in school-age children.
These viruses are often found in contaminated food or drinking water. The viruses cause about 40% of group-related diarrheal illnesses. They affect older children and adults and are more frequent during the winter months. Symptoms appear within 4 to 48 hours after exposure to the contaminated food or water. The viruses are usually spread by the fecal-oral route.
Rotavirus causes severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Severe dehydration and death can occur in the young age group. It is responsible for up to 50% of the hospitalizations of children with diarrhea. Outbreaks may also occur in geriatric settings such as nursing homes. By the age of 3 most children have acquired antibodies to the virus.
Gastroenteritis affects the young, the elderly, and immunosuppressed people most severely.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting blood (very rare)
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy skin
- Muscle pain
- Joint stiffness
- Incontinence
- Fever
- Chills
- Poor feeding
Signs and tests
Stool assays for the viruses can identify the specific agent. A stool culture may rule out bacterial causes of the illness.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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