Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection. Gastroenteritis goes by different names based on what kind of disease is infecting the body. Other than its medical name, gastroenteritis is sometimes referred to as its more common names, the stomach flu, or food poisoning. There are more than one causes of gastroenteritis. It is not only an infectious/ bacterial disease, but in some cases, it can be viral. Different viruses can be the cause of this disease. Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting. It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children. This is because viral gastroenteritis is more common and …show more content…
The main types of viruses are rotavirus and norovirus. Rotavirus is the world's most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children. Norovirus is the most common cause of serious gastroenteritis and also foodborne disease outbreaks in the U.S ("Gastroenteritis." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 31 Mar. 2017.). Food poisoning on the other hand is often a result of cross-contamination — the transfer of harmful organisms from one surface to another("Viral Gastroenteritis (stomach Flu)." Mayo Clinic. Web. 31 Mar. 2017.). This is especially troublesome for raw, ready-to-eat foods, such as salads or other produce. Because these foods aren't cooked, harmful organisms aren't destroyed before eating and can cause food poisoning. Gastroenteritis is a disorder of the abdominal cavity, and all its inhabitants. The abdominal cavity is an extremely vital portion of the body. It contains a number of crucial organs including the lower part of the esophagus, the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and bladder, all which contribute immensely in their own way. Attached to the esophagus, the stomach begins the process of digestion. It receives and stores food. The stomach also gives off enzymes and gastric juices that break down food products and prepare them for the small intestine. Food passes from the stomach to the duodenum, …show more content…
In some cases, infections can last for weeks and be harmful if left untreated. Seek treatment as soon as you show symptoms of an infection to stop the infection from spreading. Fortunately, It typically resolves within three to five days and there are usually no long-term effects. If dehydration occurs, recovery is extended by a few days(Team, Gastrolyte's Content. "Dehydration and Gastroenteritis." Gastrolyte. 20 Mar. 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2017.). Along with the wonderful outcome, gastroenteritis can be prevented, and prevention is as easy as just washing your hands. Thorough hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the fecal-oral transmission of certain viruses, especially rotaviruses. People should wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. In addition, ensuring that food is prepared safely well-cooked and unspoiled can prevent bacterial gastroenteritis. All kitchen utensils, counters, or cutting boards that come in contact with raw meat, especially poultry, should be washed with hot water to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria("Medical Definition of Abdominal Cavity." MedicineNet. Web. 31 Mar. 2017.). Meats should be refrigerated as soon as possible after bringing them home from the grocery store, and cooked leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as possible after a meal to prevent spoilage. Good hygiene, keeping surfaces clean, and being aware of what you
The stomach naturally produces acid, which is mainly responsible for food digestion and the destruction of any foreign pathogen or bacteria ingested with food. Acid is secreted by stimulating the partial
When someone first finds out they have Crohn’s disease, they will probably feel overwhelmed. There are so many questions. Will I be able to work, travel and exercise? Should I be on a special diet? Could my medications have side effects? How will Crohn’s disease change my life? The better informed they can become, the more equipped they will be to be an active member in your healthcare (Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, 2009).
E. coli are bacteria that can cause an infection in various parts of your body, including your intestines. E. coli bacteria normally live in the intestines of people and animals. Most types of E. coli do not cause infections, but some produce a poison (toxin) that can cause diarrhea. Depending on the toxin, this can cause mild or severe diarrhea.
This disease affects the muscles in the intestines. It can cause gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. It usually does not lead to further diseases. Most people can control the symptoms through diet, stress management and medication.
Eating food that was contaminated by kitchen utensils or other foods that had contact with raw, contaminated meat
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Sensitive Gut (Harvard Special Health Reports) In consultation with Lawrence S. Friedman, M.D. Stanford, CT. -. In this article, you are informed about a disease that is occurring more often in our society. It is commonly referred to as “heartburn” but is more appropriately named acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people suffer from this disease, but think nothing of it.
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. It is a gram-negative, aerobic (oxygen requiring), rod-shaped bacterium that can infect humans, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It results in the swelling of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Salmonella food poisoning occurs worldwide, however it is most frequently reported in North America and Europe. In the United States, Salmonella is responsible for about 15% of all cases of food poisoning (Salmonella food poisoning).
E. Coli and other foodborne illnesses are something that should be of major concern to everybody, becasue nobody is safe from it. It is not something that can be prevented or
The digestive system is a very large system in our bodies. This system runs all the way from the mouth, where we put whole food in, to the large intestine that includes the rectum and anus, where waste exits. The digestive system is composed of the mouth, esophagus, liver, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus (Diseases). The gastrointestinal (GI) tract that makes up the digestive system includes all of these organs other than the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, which are digestive accessory organs that food does not have to pass through to be broken down (The Digestive Sytem and Body Metabolism). The study of this system is called gastroenterology which broken down translates to the study (ology) of the stomach (gastro-) and intestines (entero-) (The Digestive Sytem and Body Metabolism). The
What is Foodborne Illness? According to a medical dictionary, foodborne illness is an acute gastrointestinal infection caused by consuming food contaminated with pathogenic, bacteria, toxins, viruses, prions or parasites. Such contamination was caused by improper food handling, preparation or storage of food. Contacts between food and pests, especially flies, cockroaches and rodents are a further cause of contamination of food. Foodborne illness can also be caused by adding pesticides or medicine to food or consuming or by accidentally consuming naturally poisonous substances. That is why foodborne illness can also be called food poisoning.
Food-borne transmission refers to any illness that results due to the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as chemical or natural toxins such as poisonous mushrooms (cdc.gov). Bacteria is the most often the pathogen that causes food-borne illness. This is usually due to improper handling of foods, improper preparation of food and improper food storage. According to the CDC, the top 5 contributing pathogens to food-borne illness are Norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.
Campylobacter is a bacterial pathogen that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It is the commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrhea illness in the world. These bacteria live in the intestines of birds, and most raw poultry meat has the bacteria in it. Eating undercooked chicken or other food that has been contaminated with the juices dripping from raw chicken is the most frequent source of this particular infection.
Each and every year millions of people become sick because of food poisoning and other food related illnesses. Many of these illnesses can easily be prevented by properly cooking and handling food in the kitchen. Unfortunately, many people around the world are unaware of the consequences that can occur from contaminated and undercooked food. It is important for every individual who is planning on making a meal in their life (virtually everyone) to understand how to properly prepare their meal.
The most common cause of gastroenteritis in adults is the transmission of norovirus; a viral infection that spreads from fecal matter. Noroviruses are highly contagious and can spread directly from person to person, or indirectly through contaminated water and food. When a person is infected, the norovirus attacks their small intestine, entering a host cell by attaching to receptors and triggering endocytosis. It then proceeds to replicate itself, increasing the number of infected cells in the body. Symptoms appear roughly 1-2 days after the initial exposure to the virus, and lasts between 1-3 days. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a loss of appetite are common symptoms of norovirus, however sufferers may also experience muscle aches, weakness and mild fevers and headaches. Rotavirus is another prevalent agent that causes gastroenteritis, however it only affects infants and young children, due to the fact that immunity against it is developed after infection. It is incredibly common and virtually every child in the world experiences symptoms of the rotavirus before they reach the age of
Food poisoning is a condition that results from eating contaminated food. It is also referred to as food-borne illness. These may attack people from any age group and lasts from few hours to several days. Food poisoning in severe case may cause chronic and fatal disease like arthritis and can attack lungs and kidneys.