The severity of gastroenteritis: symptoms and consequences

Gastroenteritis, often called "gastro" or "stomach flu", is an inflammation of the lining of the intestine and stomach that can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Although it is generally benign in adults, it can be more serious in people who are weak, very young or elderly. Its main symptoms, diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to severe dehydration. The duration of the illness, its contagiousness and the right time to seek medical help are all crucial information for managing this condition.

Understanding gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the digestive system, often caused by infection. The main culprits are viruses, notably rotavirus and norovirus, but it can also be caused by bacteria or parasites. Infection generally manifests itself through symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The disease may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue and headaches.

Depending on the individual and the cause of the infection, gastroenteritis can last from a few hours to several days. It is highly contagious, spreading easily through direct contact with an infected person, or through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

Dehydration is the main risk associated with gastroenteritis, due to the significant loss of fluids caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Regular fluid intake is essential to avoid this complication.

Preventing gastroenteritis relies mainly on hygiene measures, such as washing your hands with soapy water. Some types of gastroenteritis can be prevented by vaccination.

Identifying the symptoms of gastroenteritis

Diarrhea: the first sign of illness

Diarrhea is often the first symptom of gastroenteritis. It is manifested by an increase in stool frequency, generally more than three times per 24 hours. The consistency of the stool also changes, becoming softer and more liquid. The presence of blood or mucus in the stools may indicate a more serious infection, and should be reported to a physician. Sudden, intense diarrhea can also be a sign of severe gastroenteritis. Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhea, especially in infants and the elderly. It is therefore essential to drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of water and mineral salts.

Fever: a possible symptom

Fever is another possible symptom of gastroenteritis. It manifests itself as a rise in body temperature, usually above 38°C.

A slight fever is common with gastroenteritis, and tends to disappear after a few days.
If the fever persists, or reaches 39°C or more, it may indicate a more serious infection requiring medical attention.
Note that fever can also be a symptom of other infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. It is therefore essential to monitor the evolution of symptoms to distinguish the underlying cause.

The administration of acetaminophen can help reduce fever and relieve associated discomfort.

Vomiting: a common symptom

Vomiting is a symptom commonly associated with gastroenteritis. It results from irritation of the stomach due to the infection. This symptom, often preceded by nausea, can occur suddenly and be repeated several times during the day.

The main risk associated with vomiting is dehydration, due to the significant loss of fluids. It is therefore essential to rehydrate regularly, even in small quantities.

It should be noted that vomiting can sometimes be violent, leading to severe fatigue. In some cases, it may contain blood or resemble coffee grounds, which should be reported immediately to a physician.

Vomiting can also lead to loss of appetite. However, as soon as the desire to eat reappears, it is advisable to resume a normal diet, avoiding foods that are too fatty, too sweet or too spicy.

Your pharmacist is a good resource to help you manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis and recommend measures to alleviate them. Don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.

When to worry and when to consult a doctor in case of gastroenteritis? Signs of severity

You should consult a doctor in the event of gastroenteritis if you experience certain signs. If you notice that diarrhea persists for more than 3 days without showing any signs of improvement, you should seek medical advice. Similarly, if you've just returned from a trip abroad and you've been suffering from diarrhea for more than 72 hours, you should seek prompt medical attention.

Alarming symptoms in adults

In adults, certain symptoms of gastroenteritis can be alarming and require urgent medical attention. These include

Profuse diarrhea that persists for more than three days, accompanied by signs of dehydration such as intense thirst, dark urine or less frequent urination, dry mouth or skin, fatigue, dizziness or confusion.
Vomiting that doesn't stop or makes it difficult to keep fluids down.
High or persistent fever (over 39°C).
Intense or continuous abdominal pain.
Bloody or black stools.
Significant and rapid weight loss.

If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend that you consult a doctor immediately.

Warning signs in children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the complications of gastroenteritis, including dehydration. Warning signs to watch out for include:

Unusual behavior: The child is more irritable or listless than usual.
Gray complexion: Skin may become pale or gray, especially around the lips and fingernails.
Dark circles around the eyes: Eyes may be sunken or have pronounced dark circles.
Unusual sleepiness: The child may find it difficult to wake up, or may seem drowsy during the day.
Decreased urine volume: The child may urinate less often than usual, or the urine may be dark in color.

A child showing any of these signs should be seen by a healthcare professional without delay.

If you're not sure whether you should see a doctor, ask your pharmacist, who will be able to assess the symptoms and direct you to the right resource depending on their severity.

Medical follow-up in the event of complications

Medical follow-up in the event of complications related to severe gastroenteritis is crucial to controlling the progression of the disease and minimizing risks. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, particularly in the presence of severe symptoms such as :

Uncontrollable vomiting
profuse, incessant diarrhoea
Severe dehydration
Presence of blood in stools or vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Altered general condition

In this context, medical follow-up may include :

compensation for hypovolemia (reduced blood volume in the body) induced by vomiting and/or diarrhea
intravenous rehydration
Administration of antibiotics in the event of bacterial infection
Regular monitoring of vital signs and symptoms
Assessment of nutritional status and provision of appropriate nutrition
Assess hydration status and initiate appropriate rehydration therapy

If digestive bleeding is suspected, endoscopy may be performed to locate and treat the source of bleeding.

In all cases, medical follow-up depends on the patient's state of health, the severity of symptoms and possible complications.

Duration of gastroenteritis: how long does it last?

Incubation time

The incubation period is the time elapsed between exposure to an infectious agent, in this case the virus or bacteria responsible for gastroenteritis, and the appearance of the first symptoms.

For gastroenteritis, this incubation time generally ranges from 24 to 72 hours, but can fluctuate depending on the infectious agent involved. Some viruses, such as norovirus, may have a shorter incubation period, of the order of 24 to 48 hours.

During this incubation period, the infected individual may not yet be showing symptoms, but may already be contagious, and therefore able to transmit the disease to others.

Duration of gastroenteritis symptoms

The duration of gastroenteritis symptoms can vary according to the individual and the infectious agent involved. In general, gastroenteritis symptoms usually last from 24 to 72 hours. In some cases, however, they can last up to 10 days, especially if the illness was contracted while traveling abroad.

It should be noted that even after symptoms have disappeared, the patient may remain contagious for up to two weeks. This is particularly true of infants and people with weakened immune systems.

In the most severe cases, symptoms may persist for a week or more. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, it is advisable to consult a health professional.

How is severe gastroenteritis treated?

Home treatment: hydration and rest

When treating gastroenteritis at home, hydration and rest are essential.

To maintain good hydration, it's advisable to drink liquids regularly, in small quantities. Oral rehydration solutions, available in pharmacies, are the best choice. They contain the mineral salts needed to compensate for losses due to diarrhea and vomiting. Your pharmacist can tell you all about them and how to use them properly. He or she can also provide you with a recipe for a homemade rehydration solution based on orange juice without pulp, boiled water and salt.

Rest is also key to recovery. It allows the body to fight the infection more effectively and helps reduce fatigue caused by the illness.

It should be noted that, even if the patient is feeling better, he or she must continue to rest and hydrate until the symptoms have completely disappeared.

Medical treatment: when is it necessary?

Medical treatment of gastroenteritis is necessary in certain specific situations.

Severe cases: If symptoms of gastroenteritis are severe, persistent or worsening, medical consultation is necessary. These may include high fever, diarrhea lasting more than 72 hours, incoercible vomiting or blood in the stools.
People at risk: Certain populations, such as young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, may require medical treatment for gastroenteritis even if symptoms are not as severe.

A healthcare professional will be able to determine the best treatment for your situation, taking into account your state of health, your symptoms and the likely infectious agent involved.

When to go to the emergency room? Criteria for hospitalization

Signs of severe dehydration

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires rapid medical intervention. Here are a few signs to watch out for

Absence of urine for a prolonged period (more than 8 hours in adults)
Hollow fontanelles in babies (soft areas on top of the head)
Tachycardia (accelerated heart rate)
Arterial hypotension (low blood pressure)
Prolonged skin recoloration time: when you squeeze the skin, it takes longer to regain its normal color
Confusion, dizziness and weakness
Excessive fatigue (e.g. difficulty getting out of bed)

Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms. If in doubt, contact your pharmacist, who will refer you to emergency care if deemed necessary.

Potential complications of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, while generally benign, can in some cases lead to complications. The main complication is dehydration, particularly in children and the elderly. This can occur as a result of prolonged, intense vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms such as intense thirst, dry mouth, unusual fatigue or drowsiness, infrequent urination and dizziness may indicate severe dehydration.

Other complications may include:

Sepsis: a serious generalized infection, which can occur if bacteria from the intestine enter the bloodstream.
Blood in the stool or vomit, which may indicate damage to the intestinal lining.
Kidney problems: in rare cases, dehydration can lead to kidney damage.

Some people are at greater risk of complications, including babies under 6 months, children and adults with chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people aged 75 and over. Medical consultation is therefore recommended in the presence of severe or persistent symptoms.

What risk factors can increase the severity of viral gastroenteritis?

Several factors can increase the severity of viral gastroenteritis. The first is age. Infants and the elderly are more likely to develop a severe form of the disease. Secondly, immune status plays a key role. Immunosuppressed individuals may suffer more severe complications.

Gastroenteritis in at-risk populations: children and the elderly

Gastroenteritis in children: how to manage it?

Managing gastroenteritis in children requires special attention. Hydration is key. It is essential to compensate for the loss of fluids caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration, with rehydration solutions available in pharmacies, is often recommended. Ask your pharmacist to calculate the appropriate quantity of rehydration solution to give your child, according to weight and age.

Diet must be adapted. Avoid foods that may aggravate symptoms, such as those with too much fat or sugar. Give preference to foods that are well tolerated by the child, such as rice, lean meats or cooked vegetables.

Rest is also important to enable the child's body to fight the infection.

It is crucial to monitor the child's condition and consult a healthcare professional promptly if symptoms worsen or if there are signs of severe dehydration.

Gastroenteritis in the elderly: precautions and care

Gastroenteritis in the elderly can be more severe, and the risk of complications higher. Greater attention must therefore be paid to their state of health. Hydration is essential to avoid dehydration, which is often more rapid and dangerous in the elderly. Regular fluid intake is recommended, including rehydration solutions available from pharmacies.

Nutrition is just as important: opt for a light, nutrient-rich diet that's easy to digest. Avoid fatty, spicy or sweet foods.

Isolation is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. As senior citizens are often in contact with other people at risk, it's important to avoid all direct contact until symptoms have completely disappeared.

Regular monitoring of the elderly person's state of health is essential. In the event of signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, intense fatigue, reduced urine output, etc.), medical advice should be sought as soon as possible.

Preventing gastroenteritis: hygiene and preventive measures

Hand washing: effective prevention

Hand-washing is an essential part of gastroenteritis prevention. Regular hand washing with warm water and soap is recommended, especially before eating, after using the toilet and after contact with sick people.

Hand-washing technique :

Wet hands with warm water.
Apply a dose of soap.
Rub hands for at least 20 seconds, paying particular attention to fingers, back of hands and fingernails.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.

Following these steps eliminates most germs from the hands.

Note that hydroalcoholic gel is not effective against certain agents that can cause gastroenteritis, such as norovirus.

It is therefore important to remember that hand washing is considered the most effective method of preventing transmission of the microbes responsible for gastroenteritis.

Vaccination: a solution for certain types of gastroenteritis

Vaccination is an effective strategy against certain types of gastroenteritis, particularly those caused by rotavirus. Rotavirus is one of the most frequent causes of severe gastroenteritis in children.

Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended for all infants. Ask your pharmacist for details on vaccination age and the number of doses required.

It's important to note that rotavirus vaccination does not prevent all gastroenteritis. It is specifically effective against rotavirus gastroenteritis, but other viruses or bacteria can also cause gastroenteritis.

The decision to vaccinate a child against rotavirus should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can weigh the potential benefits of vaccination against the risks, taking into account the child's general state of health and potential exposure to the virus.