Gastroenteritis – What You Need to Know

Gastroenteritis is an upset stomach that makes you vomit, have watery poop, and feel crummy. It’s usually caused by a virus, bacteria, or sometimes a parasite that you swallow with food or water. The bad news is that anyone can get it, but the good news is most people feel better in a few days with the right care.

Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Typical signs include sudden nausea, vomiting, loose stools, stomach cramps, and sometimes a low‑grade fever. Dehydration is the biggest danger, so watch for dry mouth, no tears when you cry, or feeling dizzy when you stand up. If you notice any of these, start drinking fluids right away. Small sips of oral rehydration solution, clear broth, or diluted juice work best.

Kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems need extra attention. Call a doctor if a child can’t keep any liquids down for more than a few hours, if you see blood in the stool, or if a fever spikes above 101°F (38.5°C). Same rules apply to adults if you feel faint, have persistent vomiting, or notice dark urine.

Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Most cases are viral – the notorious norovirus or rotavirus. Bacterial culprits like Campylobacter and E. coli often come from undercooked meat or contaminated produce. Parasites such as Giardia show up after drinking untreated water during travel.

Stopping the spread starts with hand washing. Scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before meals, and after handling raw food. When you’re cooking, keep raw meat separate from vegetables and heat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

Treatment is mostly supportive. Replace lost fluids, rest, and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that can worsen diarrhea. Over‑the‑counter anti‑diarrheal meds like loperamide are okay for adults if you have no fever, but skip them if you suspect a bacterial infection because they can trap the bacteria inside.

If a doctor confirms a bacterial cause, a short course of antibiotics may be prescribed. Do not self‑prescribe antibiotics – they won’t help viral cases and can cause resistance.

Eating bland foods once you can tolerate liquids helps your gut settle. The BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast – is a popular starter. Gradually add lean protein, cooked veggies, and probiotics like yogurt as you feel better.

Preventing future bouts means staying vigilant about food safety. Wash fruits and veggies under running water, peel when possible, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. If you travel to places with questionable water quality, use bottled or boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Remember, most gastroenteritis cases clear up on their own. Keep sipping fluids, rest, and watch for red flags. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to a health professional. Staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene are the simplest ways to keep this nasty stomach bug at bay.