Gastroenteritis: Symptom and Causes

Symptoms

The symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin 24-48 hours after you are infected.  The main symptom includes Loose, watery stools passed three or more times within 24 hours. The other symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Headache
• Fever
• Fainting and Weakness
• Loss of appetitite
• Dehydration occurs as the fluid is lost through vomiting and diarrhoea

Causes

This disease is caused most often by an infection from certain viruses or less often by bacteria, their toxins, parasites, or an adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication.

How the disease is spread?
It is a contagious disease. A lack of good hygiene can result in gastroenteritis. For instance improper hand washing after going to the toilet or after changing a baby nappy can spread the infectious bug from person to person. It can also be spread by having contaminated food or water.


Contaminated food and water result in Gastroenteritis