Gastroenteritis history and symptoms
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Gastroenteritis Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
History and Symptoms
Gastroenteritis usually is of acute onset, normally lasting fewer than 10 days and self-limiting. Symptoms may include the following:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
The main contributing factors include poor feeding in infants. Diarrhea is common, and may be (but not always) followed by vomiting. Viral diarrhea usually causes frequent watery stools, whereas blood stained diarrhea may be indicative of bacterial colitis. In some cases, even when the stomach is empty, bile can be vomited up.
Symptoms may occur for up to 6 days. Given appropriate treatment, bowel movements will return to normal within a week after that.