Bacterial gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria.
See also:
Infectious diarrhea - bacterial gastroenteritis; Acute gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - bacterial
Many different types of bacteria can produce the symptoms associated with bacterial gastroenteritis, including:
Some sources of the infection are:
Risk factors are:
About 1 in 1,000 people develop bacterial gastroenteritis each year.
Each organism causes slightly different symptoms but all result in diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment involves replacing fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) that the body loses when you have diarrhea. In rare cases, blood transfusions are required.
Self-care measures to avoid dehydration include:
Persons with diarrhea, especially young children, who are unable to drink fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and fluids by IV ( intravenously).
If you take "water pills" (diuretics), you may need to stop taking the medication during an acute episode of diarrhea, as directed by your health care provider.
Ask your doctor before using any antidiarrheal medicines.
Antibiotic or antimicrobial therapy is usually not needed unless the rest of the body is affected.
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Reviewer Info: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. ; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 02/20/2008 |