Gastroenteritis, often called "gastro", is an inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. General weakness, loss of appetite and mild fever may also occur. The disease is contagious and can affect everyone, from babies to adults. It's important to know when to consult a healthcare professional, and how to manage transmission to prevent further spread.

How can you tell if you have gastroenteritis? What are the first symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as "gastro", is characterized by several discernible symptoms. The first sign is often acute diarrhea, with or without nausea. These symptoms may be followed by vomiting. Abdominal pain, which may manifest as cramps, is also not uncommon.

• Liquid or semi-liquid stools: one of the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis is a change in stool consistency. They may become more abundant and frequent than usual.
• Mild fever: a slight rise in body temperature can also be a sign of the disease.
• Headache: this symptom is not systematic, but can sometimes be observed.

The presence of these symptoms does not guarantee a diagnosis of gastroenteritis, but they are generally a good indicator. Only a health professional can confirm the diagnosis.

How long does viral gastroenteritis last?

The duration of viral gastroenteritis can vary according to the nature of the infectious agent and the immune response of the infected person. Generally speaking, gastroenteritis symptoms last from 24 to 72 hours. However, in some cases, they can persist for up to 10 days. Note that even after symptoms have disappeared, the individual may still be contagious for a few days.

Does viral gastroenteritis go away on its own?

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection that, in most cases, resolves itself without specific treatment. In fact, the body's immune system generally manages to eliminate the virus within a few days. However, it's crucial to maintain good hydration during this period, as symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss. This is particularly true for children and the elderly, who are more likely to suffer from dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve symptoms such as nausea and abdominal cramps, and rehydration solutions are available from pharmacies to prevent dehydration.

How can I get over gastroenteritis in 1 day?

While it's impossible to guarantee a cure in a single day, a few steps can be taken to facilitate recovery. Hydration is essential. Give preference to water and rehydration solutions, which can be prepared at home or purchased from a pharmacy.

When it comes to diet, opt for food that's easy to digest. Eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and sugar, such as rice, fruit and vegetables, and lean meat or fish.

According to some studies, probiotics may help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. Some over-the-counter medications can also help relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Your pharmacist is a good resource for advice based on your symptoms.

Finally, rest is essential to allow the body to fight the infection.

What should I eat when I have gastroenteritis?

When suffering from gastroenteritis, eating helps restore balance to the digestive system. Not eating can prolong diarrhea and slow healing of the intestinal wall. It is advisable to opt for a gentle, easily digestible diet, starting with small quantities and increasing as tolerated:

• Starchy foods such as rice, pasta and potatoes are often well tolerated. They provide the body with the energy it needs, since they contain carbohydrates.
• Lean meats and white fish, steamed or en papillote, are a good source of protein and easy to digest.
• Fresh or canned fruit in its juice and cooked vegetables can also be eaten.

On the other hand, it's best to avoid foods that are too fatty, spicy or sweet, which can irritate the digestive system. Similarly, consumption of dairy products should be limited, unless they are well-tolerated or lactose-free.

Are there different gastroenteritis symptoms for specific groups of people?

Symptoms of gastroenteritis may vary according to different groups of people. For example, infants and young children may present more severe symptoms, such as high fever and signs of dehydration more quickly, such as dry mouth, lack of tears when crying and increased drowsiness.

In pregnant women, vomiting may be more frequent and intense.

As for the elderly, they may have a longer duration of illness and are more likely to develop complications, such as severe dehydration.

When should you seek medical advice for gastroenteritis?

We recommend consulting a healthcare professional if gastroenteritis symptoms persist for more than 72 hours, or if signs of dehydration appear, such as:

• reduced urine production
• intense thirst
• dry mouth and tongue
• a feeling of weakness or general malaise.

Infants, young children and the elderly are more susceptible to rapid dehydration. In the event of intense vomiting, persistent diarrhea or the presence of blood in the stools, medical consultation is also recommended.

How can I tell if it's a viral or bacterial gastroenteritis?

Distinguishing between viral and bacterial gastroenteritis can be complicated, as the symptoms are often similar. However, certain characteristics can provide clues.

Viral origin: Viral gastroenteritis is the most common, caused in particular by norovirus. It is generally milder and short-lived. A winter epidemic could indicate a viral origin.

Bacterial origin: Symptoms can be more severe in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis. High fever and hemorrhagic (bloody) or afecal (rice-water-like) stools are signs pointing to a bacterial origin. Gastroenteritis developed during travel is more often of bacterial origin.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis, as he or she can suggest an appropriate treatment depending on the origin of the gastroenteritis.

How does gastroenteritis start?

Gastroenteritis often starts abruptly. The incubation period, i.e. the time between infection and onset of symptoms, can vary from 24 to 72 hours. The virus or bacteria enters your body, usually through the mouth, and lodges in your digestive system, causing inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa.

Contagion often occurs even before the first symptoms appear. The virus or bacteria responsible for the disease is present in the stools and vomit of the infected person, and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. For example, if a sick person doesn't wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, they can contaminate objects and food around them.

Where does the stomach ache come from when you have gastroenteritis?

During gastroenteritis, the pain is generally located in the abdominal region. This is the result of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestine, which can cause widespread pain. These pains are often described as cramps or dull aches. Sometimes they can be localized in the lower abdomen or around the navel. It's also possible to experience a general feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, associated with a sensation of heaviness or swelling.

Is gastroenteritis tiring?

Yes, gastroenteritis can cause intense fatigue. This is generally due to dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. What's more, the body expends a lot of energy fighting the infection, which can make you feel even more tired. So it's vital to rest and rehydrate during a bout of gastroenteritis.

Is it possible to have gastroenteritis without vomiting?

Yes, gastroenteritis can occur without vomiting. Although vomiting is frequently associated with gastroenteritis, it is not systematic. The symptoms of gastroenteritis can vary from person to person, and also depend on the nature of the agent involved.

Other symptoms commonly associated with gastroenteritis include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever and headache. However, the absence of vomiting does not rule out the possibility of gastroenteritis.

Can you have gastroenteritis without a fever?

Although a slight fever is sometimes associated with gastroenteritis, it's quite possible to suffer from the condition without a fever. In fact, each case of gastroenteritis is unique, and symptoms can vary considerably from one person to another. So, while some people may have a high fever (quite rare), others may have only a mild fever, or no fever at all. So it's important not to rely solely on the presence or absence of fever to determine whether you have gastroenteritis. Other common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps can be more reliable indicators of this condition.

What illness resembles gastroenteritis?

Some illnesses share common symptoms with gastroenteritis, making them difficult to identify. Salmonellosis and cholera have similar symptoms, but are caused by bacteria. And in some cases, Covid-19 can cause gastroenteritis-like digestive problems.

How can you tell the difference between gastroenteritis and food poisoning?

Identifying the cause of your symptoms can be difficult, as gastroenteritis and food poisoning share common signs. However, there are a few clues that can help you differentiate between the two conditions.

First, the onset of symptoms. Food poisoning usually starts within a few hours of consuming contaminated food or drink. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, has a longer incubation period, generally 24 to 72 hours after exposure to the infectious agent.

The duration of symptoms can also give you a clue. Symptoms of food poisoning tend to be shorter, typically 24 to 48 hours. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, usually lasts 24 to 72 hours, but can last up to 10 days.

What's the difference between stomach flu and gastroenteritis?

Stomach flu and gastroenteritis, commonly known as gastro, are two terms for the same condition.

"Stomach flu" is a colloquial term for gastroenteritis caused by a virus, i.e. viral gastroenteritis. However, the general term "gastro" can refer to an infection caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite.

How can I tell if I've got gastroenteritis or just diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of many conditions, including gastroenteritis. To distinguish diarrhea from gastroenteritis, you need to consider other symptoms.

Diarrhea is generally characterized by liquid or loose stools, more frequent than usual. On the other hand, gastroenteritis, in addition to diarrhea, is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever.

If you have more than one of these symptoms, it's possible that you have gastroenteritis. However, each case is unique, and these symptoms may vary from one person to another.

If in doubt, consult a health professional.

What is dry gastroenteritis?

Dry gastro, also known as gastro without diarrhea, is a variant of gastroenteritis in which episodes of diarrhea are less acute or less frequent. The other common symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, are nevertheless present.

It should be noted that, despite the absence of diarrhea, a person suffering from dry gastroenteritis may still be contagious. Consultation with a healthcare professional is therefore essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment when symptoms persist.