What are the common causes of gastroenteritis. How can you differentiate between gastroenteritis and other similar conditions. What are the symptoms and treatments for various gastrointestinal issues.

Understanding Gastroenteritis: More Than Just a Stomach Bug

Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a common intestinal infection that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. While many people mistake it for other conditions, understanding its unique characteristics is crucial for proper treatment and management.

What exactly is gastroenteritis? It’s an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. The most common culprits are norovirus and rotavirus, making viral gastroenteritis the second most prevalent illness in the United States.

Key Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Fatigue

How does gastroenteritis spread? The infection often results from consuming contaminated food or water. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and proper food handling, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the illness.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis: When Bacteria Wreak Havoc

While viral gastroenteritis is more common, bacterial infections can also cause similar symptoms. Several types of bacteria can lead to gastroenteritis, each with its own characteristics and potential complications.

Common Bacterial Culprits

• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Clostridioides difficile
• Campylobacter

How can you distinguish bacterial from viral gastroenteritis? Bacterial infections often cause more severe symptoms and may be accompanied by bloody diarrhea. If you suspect a bacterial infection, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as some cases may require antibiotic treatment.

Diverticulitis: When Digestive Pouches Become Problematic

Diverticulitis is a condition that can mimic the symptoms of gastroenteritis but has a different underlying cause. It occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the colon wall become infected or inflamed.

Recognizing Diverticulitis Symptoms

• Pain in the lower left abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloody bowel movements
• Frequent or painful urination
• Fever

What causes diverticulitis? While the exact cause is unknown, a low-fiber diet is thought to be a significant risk factor. As we age, the likelihood of developing diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) increases, making older adults more susceptible to diverticulitis.

Celiac Disease: When Gluten Becomes the Enemy

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This condition can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be mistaken for gastroenteritis.

Key Symptoms of Celiac Disease

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Joint pain

How prevalent is celiac disease? The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that about 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of their condition. If you suspect you have celiac disease, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

COVID-19: A New Consideration in Gastrointestinal Symptoms

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new dimension to the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms. While primarily a respiratory illness, COVID-19 can also cause digestive issues that may be confused with other conditions.

Potential Gastrointestinal Symptoms of COVID-19

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of taste or smell

When should you suspect COVID-19? If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms along with respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, or fever, it’s crucial to get tested for COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Medication Side Effects: An Often Overlooked Cause

Many medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects that mimic the symptoms of gastroenteritis. It’s essential to be aware of potential adverse reactions to medications you’re taking.

Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Medications

• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

How can you manage medication side effects? If you suspect your symptoms are related to a medication, don’t stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or suggest alternatives to alleviate the side effects.

Endometriosis: A Hidden Cause of Abdominal Pain

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. While primarily associated with menstrual pain, it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms that may be confused with other conditions.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating
• Pain during bowel movements

How is endometriosis diagnosed? Endometriosis can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. If you experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms along with menstrual irregularities, consult a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation.

Bowel Obstruction: A Serious Gastrointestinal Emergency

A bowel obstruction occurs when there’s a blockage in the small or large intestine, preventing the normal passage of digestive contents. This condition can cause severe symptoms and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of a Bowel Obstruction

• Severe abdominal pain and cramping
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe constipation or diarrhea

What causes bowel obstructions? Various factors can lead to bowel obstructions, including adhesions from previous surgeries, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel diseases. If you suspect a bowel obstruction, seek emergency medical care immediately, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Pancreatitis: When the Pancreas Becomes Inflamed

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation. Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms that may be mistaken for other conditions.

Key Symptoms of Pancreatitis

• Severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

What triggers pancreatitis? Common causes include gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and high triglyceride levels. If you experience severe abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms of pancreatitis, seek medical attention promptly.

Appendicitis: A Common Abdominal Emergency

Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the colon. While its classic symptom is pain in the lower right abdomen, it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms similar to gastroenteritis.

Recognizing Appendicitis Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, often starting around the navel and moving to the lower right
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Low-grade fever
• Abdominal swelling

How quickly does appendicitis progress? Appendicitis can develop rapidly, often within 24 to 48 hours. If you suspect appendicitis, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as a ruptured appendix can lead to life-threatening complications.

Iron Poisoning: An Unusual Cause of Gastrointestinal Distress

Iron poisoning occurs when excessive amounts of iron accumulate in the body, often due to accidental ingestion of iron supplements. While less common than other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s important to be aware of this potential danger, especially in households with young children.

Symptoms of Iron Poisoning

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood
• Diarrhea
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

How can iron poisoning be prevented? Keep iron supplements and medications containing iron out of reach of children. If you suspect iron poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately, as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Anaphylaxis: When Allergies Turn Dangerous

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect multiple body systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. While not typically associated with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize anaphylaxis as a possible cause of sudden onset of symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

What triggers anaphylaxis? Common triggers include certain foods (like peanuts or shellfish), medications, insect stings, and latex. If you have a history of severe allergies, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect anaphylaxis.

Understanding the various causes of gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While gastroenteritis is a common culprit, it’s important to consider other potential causes, especially if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other unusual signs. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment of persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain commonly occur together and may be caused by many illnesses. Some are relatively harmless, while others require prompt treatment.

Below, the article explains 11 causes of vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. It also lists the treatments and complications that may occur.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a very common intestinal infection. It typically occurs due to a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

The symptoms can include:

• stomach pain or cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a low-grade fever
• a headache
• fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States and often stems from consuming food or water containing viral particles. The most common causes are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• salmonella
• shigella
• escherichia coli (E-coli)
• clostridioides difficile
• campylobacter

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the medical name for the infection and inflammation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis typically causes pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody bowel movements
• frequent or painful urination
• a fever

The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age. Researchers currently believe that the main cause is having a diet with low amounts of fiber.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• headaches
• weakness
• fatigue
• joint pain
• bruising easily

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates (NIDDK) that about 2 million people in the U. S. have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of it.

COVID-19 is an illness that predominately affects the respiratory system. The cause is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• a fever
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

Was this helpful?

Side effects or adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Some common side effects include:

• an upset stomach
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Endometriosis involves cells similar to those of the uterine lining growing elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• stomach cramps
• lower back and pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• blood in urine or stools
• bloating
• fatigue
• pain during intercourse
• spotting between periods

A bowel obstruction involves the partial or full blockage of the small or large intestine. The blocked part swells with food, fluids, and gas, triggering symptoms such as:

• stomach cramping
• stomach pain
• an inability to pass gas
• abdominal swelling
• appetite loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe constipation or diarrhea

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for acute inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually begins with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a fever
• sweating
• jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

The appendix is a small pouch of tissue that sits inside the colon. It is located in the lower right section of the abdomen.

In addition to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent urination

In about 40% of cases, a person will also experience a fever.

Iron poisoning occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. This may result from the person taking too many supplements that contain iron.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• abdominal pain
• irritability
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting, sometimes with blood
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• a loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction. The trigger may be a medication or food, for example.

Anaphylaxis happens quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms may include:

• a skin rash or hives
• diarrhea
• an itchy throat
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• a loss of consciousness

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The complications depend on the cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

For example, certain digestive conditions can cause intestinal malabsorption, which prevents the person from getting enough nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Untreated pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstructions can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications such as sepsis, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and attacks other organs.

The right treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain depends on the cause of these symptoms.

Many cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are nothing to be alarmed by and resolve in a few days. In the meantime, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, dietary changes, adjustments to current medications, or medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments may include:

• medications for intestinal infections
• pain relief medications
• intravenous, or IV, fluids
• hospitalization or surgery for serious illnesses, such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions

Anyone who experiences sudden, severe stomach pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea may want to seek emergency care. In particular, the following groups may be more at risk for serious complications:

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

In addition, anyone who experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, plus one or more of the following symptoms should receive professional care as soon as possible:

• vomiting that is that lasts more than 24 hours
• dehydration symptoms or inability to take in fluids
• bloody vomit
• diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days
• stomach pain that awakens the person from sleep
• any symptoms that began after an injury or surgery to the stomach
• sudden swelling or bruising of the belly
• symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and lethargy
• jaundice
• pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

The following are answers to additional questions about diarrhea and stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for stomach pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastritis. However, it does not immediately indicate you need emergency help as long as you are able to stay hydrated. You should see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have had gastritis symptoms for longer than a week, are vomiting blood or black sputum, have blood in your stool, have pain that is getting worse, or you develop a fever.

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

While not common symptoms of Covid-19, digestive symptoms can occur with an infection of the virus. They are usually associated with a less severe form of illness but can also occur with a more severe illness. Covid-19 can be detected in stool.

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can have many causes. They include infection, food poisoning, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a common symptom combination. They often result from gastroenteritis and tend to go away in a few days without the need for professional care.

However, see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. They can stem from more serious issues that require prompt treatment.

Most causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are treatable as long as a doctor diagnoses and treat them in time.

Causes of stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain commonly occur together and may be caused by many illnesses. Some are relatively harmless, while others require prompt treatment.

Below, the article explains 11 causes of vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. It also lists the treatments and complications that may occur.

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a very common intestinal infection. It typically occurs due to a virus, bacteria, or parasite.

The symptoms can include:

• stomach pain or cramping
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a low-grade fever
• a headache
• fatigue

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States and often stems from consuming food or water containing viral particles. The most common causes are norovirus and rotavirus.

Bacteria that can cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• salmonella
• shigella
• escherichia coli (E-coli)
• clostridioides difficile
• campylobacter

Learn more about food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis is the medical name for the infection and inflammation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis typically causes pain in the lower left part of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody bowel movements
• frequent or painful urination
• a fever

The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age. Researchers currently believe that the main cause is having a diet with low amounts of fiber.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to attack its own cells. This can cause permanent damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating
• malnutrition
• weight loss
• headaches
• weakness
• fatigue
• joint pain
• bruising easily

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates (NIDDK) that about 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, though many may be unaware of it.

COVID-19 is an illness that predominately affects the respiratory system. The cause is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

People with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• new loss of taste or smell
• congestion or a runny nose
• a sore throat
• a headache
• a fever
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

For more advice on COVID-19 prevention and treatment, visit our coronavirus hub.

Was this helpful?

Side effects or adverse events are unwanted reactions to a medication.

Some common side effects include:

• an upset stomach
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Endometriosis involves cells similar to those of the uterine lining growing elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• stomach cramps
• lower back and pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• blood in urine or stools
• bloating
• fatigue
• pain during intercourse
• spotting between periods

A bowel obstruction involves the partial or full blockage of the small or large intestine. The blocked part swells with food, fluids, and gas, triggering symptoms such as:

• stomach cramping
• stomach pain
• an inability to pass gas
• abdominal swelling
• appetite loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• severe constipation or diarrhea

Learn about the many causes of bowel obstruction.

Pancreatitis is the medical term for acute inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually begins with a sudden onset of severe stomach pain that radiates to the back.

The pain usually worsens when the person:

• takes deep breaths
• coughs
• moves around

Additional symptoms may include:

• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• a fever
• sweating
• jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

Appendicitis is infection and inflammation of the appendix.

The appendix is a small pouch of tissue that sits inside the colon. It is located in the lower right section of the abdomen.

In addition to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis may include:

• loss of appetite
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• frequent urination

In about 40% of cases, a person will also experience a fever.

Iron poisoning occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. This may result from the person taking too many supplements that contain iron.

Symptoms of iron poisoning may include:

• abdominal pain
• irritability
• drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting, sometimes with blood
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• a loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is the medical term for a severe allergic reaction. The trigger may be a medication or food, for example.

Anaphylaxis happens quickly and can be fatal. Symptoms may include:

• a skin rash or hives
• diarrhea
• an itchy throat
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• difficulty swallowing
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• a loss of consciousness

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

The complications depend on the cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

For example, certain digestive conditions can cause intestinal malabsorption, which prevents the person from getting enough nutrients from food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.

Untreated pancreatitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstructions can cause serious and potentially life threatening complications such as sepsis, an infection that spreads to the bloodstream and attacks other organs.

The right treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain depends on the cause of these symptoms.

Many cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are nothing to be alarmed by and resolve in a few days. In the meantime, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent and treat dehydration.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, dietary changes, adjustments to current medications, or medical treatments may be necessary. These treatments may include:

• medications for intestinal infections
• pain relief medications
• intravenous, or IV, fluids
• hospitalization or surgery for serious illnesses, such as appendicitis or bowel obstructions

Anyone who experiences sudden, severe stomach pain with or without vomiting and diarrhea may want to seek emergency care. In particular, the following groups may be more at risk for serious complications:

• children
• pregnant people
• older adults

In addition, anyone who experiences vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, plus one or more of the following symptoms should receive professional care as soon as possible:

• vomiting that is that lasts more than 24 hours
• dehydration symptoms or inability to take in fluids
• bloody vomit
• diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days
• stomach pain that awakens the person from sleep
• any symptoms that began after an injury or surgery to the stomach
• sudden swelling or bruising of the belly
• symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and lethargy
• jaundice
• pain in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

The following are answers to additional questions about diarrhea and stomach pain.

When should I go to the ER for stomach pain and diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a symptom of gastritis. However, it does not immediately indicate you need emergency help as long as you are able to stay hydrated. You should see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if you have had gastritis symptoms for longer than a week, are vomiting blood or black sputum, have blood in your stool, have pain that is getting worse, or you develop a fever.

Are diarrhea and stomach cramps symptoms of Covid 19?

While not common symptoms of Covid-19, digestive symptoms can occur with an infection of the virus. They are usually associated with a less severe form of illness but can also occur with a more severe illness. Covid-19 can be detected in stool.

Why do I have a sudden stomach ache and diarrhea?

Abdominal pain and diarrhea can have many causes. They include infection, food poisoning, overeating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are a common symptom combination. They often result from gastroenteritis and tend to go away in a few days without the need for professional care.

However, see a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. They can stem from more serious issues that require prompt treatment.

Most causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are treatable as long as a doctor diagnoses and treat them in time.

A child has a stomachache – why and what to do, causes and types of diseases by age, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Abdominal pain in a child is a symptom that may indicate the development of various diseases, including very serious ones. Therefore, parents should remember an important rule – if the child complains about the stomach, you should not self-medicate. A timely visit to the doctor will help to identify the pathology in time and conduct effective treatment.

What worries children at different ages?

Each age has its own “set” of characteristic pathologies.

Children of the first year of life

Babies are often concerned about functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifest themselves in the form of colic, regurgitation, stool disorders. The reason for these violations lies in the imperfection of the digestive system: the enzymatic system of the gastrointestinal tract has not yet matured in the baby, the intestinal microflora has not been fully established, and the neuromuscular apparatus of the intestine is also not perfect. As a rule, after the end of the period of adaptation and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, all unpleasant symptoms disappear. Note that functional disorders can disturb children even at an older age. They arise due to a violation of the diet, diet, taking certain medications, a deliberate delay in defecation (for example, on the road).

Children under one year old are also characterized by intestinal forms of food intolerance, accompanied by slow weight gain, regurgitation, vomiting, the appearance of bloody streaks in the feces. This can be either intolerance of allergic origin (a reaction to cow’s milk protein, gluten and other products), or lactose intolerance (milk sugar), associated with a lack or absence of the lactase enzyme, which is produced in the body.

Pre-school children

Children 1-6 years of age are characterized by intestinal infections of a viral or bacterial nature, usually caused by contact with sick or poor-quality food. Among the accompanying symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, headache, weakness.

Children of primary preschool age have not yet developed personal hygiene skills, which increases the risk of helminthic and parasitic infestations. Most often, preschoolers are diagnosed with diseases such as ascariasis, enterobiasis and giardiasis. In this case, the child may complain of abdominal pain, itching, he may have a slight temperature. In this case, the help of a gastroenterologist is needed, who will conduct an examination, prescribe tests and ultrasound of the digestive tract and determine the treatment.

Children of primary school age and adolescents

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract in schoolchildren are often associated with regular violations of the quality and diet. Among the most characteristic diseases for this age are: gastroduodenitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis. Associated symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation. After making an appropriate diagnosis, the child should be under dispensary observation by a gastroenterologist. Prevention, including following dietary recommendations, can minimize the frequency of exacerbations.

One of the pathologies typical for teenagers is irritable bowel syndrome. This condition is expressed in cramping pains in the abdomen that occur before emptying the intestines, and then pass. Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with emotional stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders. Conflicts and stresses at school can exacerbate symptoms, provoke an exacerbation. Note that this diagnosis is made only when all other possible diseases are excluded.

Let’s talk about one more condition (without a specific reference to age), which in no case should be ignored. We are talking about surgical pathologies of the abdominal cavity, such as: appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic, foreign body, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal trauma. Among the symptoms are severe abdominal pain, indomitable vomiting, loss of consciousness. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, because any delay can cost the child’s life.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

For the diagnosis of pathology associated with the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to consult a specialist – a gastroenterologist. First, the doctor will take a history and conduct an examination. Depending on the time of occurrence of pain and the place of its localization, the specialist may assume what kind of disease it is. So, pain during eating is characteristic of esophagitis (inflammation of the esophageal mucosa). If after eating the pain decreases, but after a while they resume, a diagnosis is possible – gastroduodenitis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa, passing to the duodenum). Acute pain in the navel, regardless of food intake, may indicate pathologies such as umbilical hernia, damage to the small intestine, abdominal lymph nodes (mesadenitis). And pain in the upper abdomen is characteristic of gastritis, gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis.

To confirm the diagnosis, the gastroenterologist will prescribe the necessary tests: blood, urine, biochemical blood tests, laboratory tests of feces (bacterial culture, scatology, enterobiasis, protozoa), as well as ultrasound and, if necessary, endoscopic examination. Only after a complete examination, the doctor can make a final diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.

Diarrhea, vomiting and headache have become the main symptoms of COVID – June 25, 2021

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Diarrhea, vomiting and headache became new symptoms of coronavirus in the third wave of the pandemic in Transbaikalia, reported on June 25 live with Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Transbaikal Territory Ayagma Vanchikova, chief freelance anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the region Konstantin Shapovalov and chief freelance pulmonologist of the region Sergey Lukyanov.

“Now some of the symptoms remain – high fever, headache, sore throat. In the first wave, almost everyone had a symptom – the sense of smell and sense of taste disappeared. Now it is less common. Of the new ones, which was not there before, the gastrointestinal tract is more often affected, diarrhea appears, ”Lukyanov said.

Shapovalov added that other symptoms include a dry cough and severe headaches, accompanied by vomiting.