Gastroenteritis overview

Gastroenteritis Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Classification
Differential Diagnosis
Prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine and resulting in acute diarrhea. The inflammation is caused most often by infection with certain viruses, less often by bacteria or their toxins, parasites, or adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication.

Historical Perspective

Before the 20th century, the term "gastroenteritis" was not commonly used. What would now be diagnosed as gastroenteritis may have instead been diagnosed more specifically as typhoid fever or "cholera morbus," among others, or less specifically as "griping of the guts," "surfeit," "flux," "colic," "bowel complaint," or any one of a number of other archaic names for acute diarrhea. Historians, genealogists, and other researchers should keep in mind that gastroenteritis was not considered a discrete diagnosis until fairly recently.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include consumption of improperly prepared foods or contaminated water. Travel or residence in areas of poor sanitation may also heighten risks of gastroenteritis.