Gastroenteritis history and symptoms

Gastroenteritis Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Classification
Differential Diagnosis
Prevention

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

History and Symptoms

• It usually is of acute onset, normally lasting fewer than 10 days and self-limiting.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Bloody stools

• The main contributing factors include poor feeding in infants. Diarrhea is common, and may be (but not always) followed by vomiting. Viral diarrhea usually causes frequent watery stools, whereas blood stained diarrhea may be indicative of bacterial colitis. In some cases, even when the stomach is empty, bile can be vomited up.

• Symptoms may occur for up to 6 days. Given appropriate treatment, bowel movements will return to normal within a week after that.