Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system. It affects people of all ages but is particularly common in children. A person with gastroenteritis usually suffers from vomiting, abdominal pains, and diarrhea. Severely infected people may also experience fever. Heavy diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis can result in dehydration (excessive loss of water from the body), which may lead to convulsions and kidney failure. Without care, gastroenteritis may lead to death.
Gastroenteritis is usually caused by virus infections, though bacteria are responsible in some cases. Treatment of the disease involves replacing lost body fluids. People experiencing mild fluid loss should drink plenty of liquids. In cases of severe dehydration, doctors administer fluid intravenously—that is, through a vein.
Gastroenteritis can be prevented by improving sanitation. In many developing countries, where water is often contaminated by sewage, people become infected by drinking water that contains gastroenteritis viruses or bacteria. Doctors estimate that millions of children worldwide die from gastroenteritis each year.
See also Dehydration ; Diarrhea ; Dysentery .
