Acute Gastroenteritis

Overview

Acute gastroenteritis is sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It produces diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and often fever, and typically lasts a few days. Most cases settle with hydration and supportive care. This page covers the digestive perspective; the broader infection context — including fever patterns and specific infections — is covered in the Fever & Infectious Diseases service, which links here rather than being duplicated.

Symptoms

• Loose or watery diarrhoea.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal cramps and bloating.
• Low-grade fever and tiredness.
• Reduced appetite.

Common causes

• Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus.
• Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli.
• Contaminated food or water.
• Person-to-person spread in households and institutions.

Management

Management is centred on hydration with oral rehydration solution, light diet, rest and symptom relief. Antibiotics are not needed for most viral gastroenteritis and are used only when a specific bacterial cause is confirmed or strongly suspected. Hand hygiene and safe food and water help prevent spread. Most people recover within a few days.

Evaluation and investigations

Most cases need no tests. A stool examination and blood tests are arranged when diarrhoea is severe, bloody, prolonged, or accompanied by high fever or dehydration — to identify the organism and guide treatment.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Signs of dehydration — dizziness, reduced urine, dry mouth, weakness.
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools.
• High fever with severe abdominal pain.
• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake.
• Symptoms not improving after a few days.

How we help

Dr. Nayak assesses severity, guides hydration, uses antibiotics appropriately, and arranges tests when needed — directing severe cases to hospital. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Diarrhoea
• Food Poisoning
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain
• Fever & Infectious Diseases
• Acute Gastrointestinal Infection