Acute Gastrointestinal Infection

Overview

An acute gastrointestinal infection causes fever with diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain, often called “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis. Most cases are viral and settle with fluids within a few days, but bacterial causes and dehydration can need specific treatment. This page covers the acute gut infection; for food-borne illness see Food Poisoning, and for ongoing digestive issues see Digestive Problems.

Symptoms

• Fever, often low to moderate.
• Diarrhoea — loose or watery stools.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Loss of appetite and tiredness.
• Sometimes blood or mucus in stools (suggests a bacterial cause).

Evaluation

Evaluation focuses on the duration, stool character and hydration status. A stool examination and culture are ordered when there is blood or mucus, prolonged symptoms, or severe illness. Blood tests check dehydration, kidney function and electrolytes.

Management

Hydration is the cornerstone — oral rehydration salts (ORS) and fluids. Most viral cases need no antibiotics. Antibiotics are used only for specific bacterial causes or severe illness. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines are used cautiously and not in some infections. Severe dehydration needs intravenous fluids and hospital care.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Signs of dehydration — dizziness, dry mouth, very little or no urine, weakness.
• Blood or black stools.
• Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake.
• Very high fever, confusion or drowsiness.
• Severe abdominal pain.

How we help

Dr. Nayak assesses the cause and hydration status, advises on fluids and diet, uses antibiotics only when appropriate, and refers severe dehydration to hospital. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Food Poisoning
• Typhoid Fever
• Fever
• Digestive Problems
• Kidney Health