Woke up with stomach pain diarrhea and vomiting

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is usually caused by infection with a microorganism but can also be caused by ingestion of chemical toxins or drugs.

• Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection but can be caused by ingesting toxins or drugs.

• Typically, people have diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• The diagnosis is based on a person’s history of recent contact with contaminated food, water, or people infected with certain microorganisms; recent use of antibiotics; and sometimes laboratory tests.

• Thoroughly washing the hands after a bowel movement or contact with fecal matter and avoidance of undercooked foods are the best ways to prevent infection.

• Antibiotics are used to treat only certain kinds of bacteria that cause gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis usually consists of mild to severe diarrhea that may be accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and discomfort in the abdomen. Although gastroenteritis usually is not serious in a healthy adult, causing only discomfort and inconvenience, it can cause life-threatening dehydration Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration... read more and electrolyte imbalance Electrolyte Balance in the very ill or weak, the very young, and the very old. Each year in the United States, about 1 in 6 people develops gastroenteritis by eating contaminated food. At least 1.6 million people around the world die each year of infectious gastroenteritis.

The most common causes of gastroenteritis are

• Viruses (most common)

• Bacteria

• Parasites

Other causes include

Infections that cause gastroenteritis can be transmitted from person to person, especially if people with diarrhea do not thoroughly wash their hands after a bowel movement. Infection also can occur if people touch their mouth after touching an object (such as a diaper or toy) contaminated by infected stool. All such transmission involving infected stool is termed fecal-oral transmission. A person, and sometimes large numbers of people (in which case an outbreak of illness is called an epidemic), can also become infected by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by infected stool. Most foods can be contaminated with bacteria and cause gastroenteritis if not cooked thoroughly or pasteurized. Contaminated water is sometimes ingested in unexpected ways, such as when swimming in a pond contaminated by stool from an animal or in a swimming pool contaminated by stool from another person. In some cases, gastroenteritis is acquired through direct contact with animals that carry the infectious microorganism.

Most viral gastroenteritis infections are caused by

Astrovirus can infect people of all ages but usually infects infants and young children. In temperate climates, infection is most common during winter months. In tropical climates, infection is more common during summer months. It is spread by fecal-oral transmission. Symptoms start 3 to 4 days after infection.

Adenovirus is the 4th most common cause of childhood viral gastroenteritis. It most commonly affects children under the age of 2. Infections occur year-round and increase slightly in the summer. The infection is spread by fecal-oral transmission and in respiratory droplets of moisture such as those produced by coughing. Anyone nearby may inhale these droplets and become infected. Symptoms start 3 to 10 days after infection.

The most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis are

Some bacteria (such as certain strains of E. coli Escherichia coli Infections Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a group of gram-negative bacteria that normally reside in the intestine of healthy people, but some strains can cause infection in the digestive... read more , Campylobacter Campylobacter Infections Several species of the gram-negative bacteria Campylobacter (most commonly Campylobacter jejuni) can infect the digestive tract, often causing diarrhea. People can be infected... read more , Shigella Shigellosis Shigellosis is infection by the gram-negative bacteria Shigella. It results in watery diarrhea or dysentery (the frequent and often painful passage of small amounts of stool that contain... read more , Salmonella Salmonella Infections The gram-negative bacteria Salmonella typically cause diarrhea and sometimes cause a more serious infection, typhoid fever. People are usually infected when they eat contaminated food... read more , and Clostridioides difficile Overview of Clostridial Infections Clostridia are bacteria that commonly reside in the intestine of healthy adults and newborns. Clostridia also reside in animals, soil, and decaying vegetation. These bacteria do not require... read more ) invade the lining of the small intestine or colon. There, they damage cells, causing sores (ulcerations) that bleed, and allow a considerable leakage of fluid containing proteins, electrolytes, and water. The diarrhea contains microscopic white and red blood cells and sometimes visible blood.

Salmonella and Campylobacter are common bacterial causes of diarrhea in the United States. Both infections are most frequently acquired from eating undercooked poultry. Unpasteurized milk is also a possible source. Campylobacter is occasionally transmitted by dogs or cats with diarrhea. Salmonella can be transmitted by eating undercooked eggs and by having contact with reptiles (such as turtles or lizards), birds, or amphibians (such as frogs and salamanders).

Species of Shigella are also a common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the United States and are usually transmitted person to person (especially in day care centers), although foodborne outbreaks occur.

Several other bacteria cause gastroenteritis, but most are rare in the United States. Yersinia enterocolitica Plague and Other Yersinia Infections Plague is a severe infection caused by the gram-negative bacteria Yersinia pestis and often involving the lymph nodes and/or lungs. The bacteria are spread mainly by the rat flea. Depending... read more

The most common parasites are

Certain intestinal parasites, particularly Giardia intestinalis, stick to the lining of the intestine and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a general sick feeling. The resulting infection, called giardiasis Giardiasis Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Giardia. The main symptoms are abdominal cramping and diarrhea. People may have abdominal... read more , occurs in every region of the United States and throughout the world. If the infection becomes persistent (chronic), it can keep the body from absorbing nutrients (called malabsorption syndrome Overview of Malabsorption Malabsorption syndrome refers to a number of disorders in which nutrients from food are not absorbed properly in the small intestine. Certain disorders, infections, and surgical procedures can... read more ). Infection is usually spread through drinking contaminated water (sometimes from wells or unconventional water sources encountered while hiking or camping), eating contaminated food, or through person-to-person contact (such as in day care centers).

The type and severity of the symptoms depend on the type and quantity of microorganism or toxin ingested. Symptoms also vary according to the person’s resistance. Symptoms often begin suddenly—sometimes dramatically—with a loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. Audible rumbling of the intestine and abdominal cramping may occur. Diarrhea is the most common symptom and may be accompanied by visible blood and mucus. Loops of intestine may be painfully swollen (distended) with gas. The person may have a fever, feel generally sick, and have aching muscles and extreme exhaustion.

Adenovirus causes mild vomiting 1 to 2 days after diarrhea starts. The diarrhea can last 1 to 2 weeks. Infants and children may have mild vomiting that typically starts 1 to 2 days after diarrhea starts. A low fever occurs in about 50% of people. Some people may have nasal congestion, a runny nose, scratchy throat, and cough. Symptoms are typically mild but can last longer than with other viral causes of gastroenteritis.

Astrovirus symptoms are similar to a mild rotavirus infection.

Bacteria are likely to cause fever and may cause bloody or watery diarrhea. Some bacteria also cause vomiting.

Parasites typically cause diarrhea that may last for a long time and may cause diarrhea that comes and goes. The diarrhea is usually not bloody. People may be very tired and lose weight when they have long-lasting diarrhea caused by a parasitic infection.

Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to marked fluid loss (dehydration Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration... read more ). Symptoms of dehydration include weakness, decreased frequency of urination, dry mouth, and, in infants, lack of tears when crying. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea can result in electrolyte problems Overview of Electrolytes Well over half of the body's weight is made up of water. Doctors think about the body's water as being restricted to various spaces, called fluid compartments. The three main compartments are... read more such as low levels of potassium in the blood Hypokalemia (Low Level of Potassium in the Blood) In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A... read more (hypokalemia) and dehydration, which can cause low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Low levels of sodium in the blood Hyponatremia (Low Level of Sodium in the Blood) In hyponatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too low. A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics... read more (hyponatremia) also may develop, particularly if the person replaces lost fluids by drinking fluids that contain little or no salt, such as water and tea. Water and electrolyte imbalances are potentially serious, especially in the young, the old, and people with chronic diseases. Low blood volume (hypovolemic shock Hypovolemic shock Shock is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the organs is low, decreasing delivery of oxygen and thus causing organ damage and sometimes death. Blood pressure is usually low... read more ) and kidney failure can occur in severe cases.

• A doctor's evaluation

• History of contact with contaminated food or water or recent travel or antibiotic use

• Sometimes stool tests

• Sometimes sigmoidoscopy

The diagnosis of gastroenteritis is usually obvious from the symptoms alone, but the cause often is not. Sometimes other family members or coworkers have recently been ill with similar symptoms, or people have had contact with certain animals. Other times, gastroenteritis can be traced to contaminated water or inadequately cooked, spoiled, or contaminated food, such as raw seafood or mayonnaise left out of the refrigerator too long. Recent travel, especially to certain foreign countries, and recent antibiotic use may give clues as well.

If the symptoms are severe or last for more than 48 hours, stool samples may be examined in a laboratory for white blood cells and bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Seriously ill people may need blood tests to determine whether they have water and electrolyte imbalances or tests to determine how their kidneys are functioning.

• Vaccination

• Hygiene

• Breastfeeding

Infants and other people with a weakened immune system should not be exposed to reptiles, birds, or amphibians, because these animals typically carry Salmonella bacteria, and infection is more severe in these groups of people.

Because most infections that cause gastroenteritis are transmitted by person-to-person contact, particularly through direct or indirect contact with infected stool, good handwashing with soap and water after a bowel movement is the most effective means of prevention. To prevent foodborne infections, hands should be washed before touching food, knives and cutting boards used to cut raw meat should be washed before use with any other food, meat and eggs should be cooked thoroughly, and leftovers should be refrigerated promptly after cooking. Only pasteurized dairy products and pasteurized apple juice should be used. Travelers should try to avoid high-risk foods and beverages, such as those sold by street vendors.

To prevent recreational water illness, people should not swim if they have diarrhea. Infants and toddlers should have frequent diaper checks and should be changed in a bathroom and not near the water. Swimmers should avoid swallowing water while swimming.

Because use of most antibiotics can increase the risk of diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile infection, antibiotics are used only when necessary and never in situations in which they will have no effect (for example, for a viral infection).

• Fluids and rehydration solutions

• Sometimes drugs

• Possibly probiotics

Usually the only treatment needed for gastroenteritis is getting bed rest and drinking an adequate amount of fluids. Even a person who is vomiting should drink as much as can be tolerated, taking small frequent sips. If vomiting or diarrhea is prolonged or the person becomes severely dehydrated, fluids and electrolytes given by vein (intravenously) may be needed. Because children can become dehydrated more quickly, they should be given fluids with the appropriate mix of salts and sugars. Any of the commercially available solutions designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes (called oral rehydration solutions Treatment Dehydration is loss of water from the body, usually caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when there is significant loss of body water and, to varying amounts, electrolytes... read more ) are satisfactory. Carbonated beverages, teas, sports drinks, beverages containing caffeine, and fruit juices are not appropriate. If the child is breastfed, breastfeeding Breastfeeding Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns. Although babies may be fed breast milk or formula, the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive... read more

As the symptoms subside, the person may gradually add foods to the diet. Although often recommended, there is no need to limit the diet to bland foods such as cereal, gelatin, bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, some people are unable to tolerate milk products for a few days after having diarrhea.

A doctor may give antinausea drugs, such as ondansetron, prochlorperazine and promethazine, by mouth or as an injection or suppository.

If the diarrhea continues for 24 to 48 hours and there is no blood in the stool to indicate a more serious bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe a drug to control the diarrhea, such as diphenoxylate, or instruct the person to use an over-the-counter drug, such as loperamide. Loperamide use is limited in children 2 to 18 years of age, and it is not given to children under 2 years of age.

Because antibiotics can cause diarrhea and may encourage the growth of organisms resistant to antibiotics, they are rarely appropriate, even when a known bacterium is causing gastroenteritis. Antibiotics may be used, however, when certain bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Shigella, and Vibrio, are the cause, and for people who have traveler’s diarrhea. Antibiotics are also used to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile. The antibiotic that is used for treatment is different from the antibiotic that caused the Clostridioides difficile infection.

Did You Know...

• Antibiotics do not always help diarrhea that is caused by bacteria.

Parasitic infections are treated with antiparasitic drugs such as metronidazole and nitazoxanide.

Some bacteria are naturally found in the body and promote the growth of good bacteria (probiotics). The use of probiotics, such as lactobacillus (typically present in yogurt), may slightly shorten the duration of diarrhea (perhaps by less than a day). However, there is insufficient evidence that probiotics prevent more serious consequences of gastroenteritis, such as the need for intravenous fluids or for hospitalization, to support their routine use to treat or prevent infectious diarrhea.

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