viral gastritis

Viral Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Causes, and More

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "stomach flu" or a "stomach bug," is a self-limited infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis can vary from person to person but often include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Pain or cramping in your abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sometimes fever

This condition is typically caused by an inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the inside lining of your gastrointestinal tract due to a viral infection. The symptoms are usually short-term and resolve on their own within a few days.

Causes and Risk Factors

Viral gastroenteritis can be caused by various viruses, including enteropathogenic viruses. Infections, such as bacterial infections and viral infections associated with the stomach flu, can cause this condition. Additionally, factors like stress, severe illness, medications (especially aspirin and other NSAIDs), and disorders of the immune system can contribute to gastritis.

Key Points

• Viral gastroenteritis is a self-limited infection caused by a virus.
• Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
• The condition is typically short-term and resolves on its own within a few days.
• Causes can include viral infections, bacterial infections, stress, severe illness, medications, and disorders of the immune system.

References

[1] Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of your intestines that typically causes watery diarrhea, pain or cramping in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and ... (Search Result 1) [2] A virus causes this illness. (Search Result 2) [3] The infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. (Search Result 3) [4] May 14, 2024 — Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestine caused by a virus. The infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. (Search Result 4) [5] Stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, is a viral infection in your digestive system. It causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. (Search Result 5)

Viral gastritis, also known as viral gastroenteritis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms to other conditions. However, several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of a viral infection.

• Stool tests: A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, which are common causes of viral gastritis [1]. These tests are quick and can provide results within minutes.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be used to check for other causes of gastritis or signs of complications. However, they are not typically used to diagnose viral gastritis specifically [12].
• Upper GI endoscopy with biopsies: An upper GI endoscopy with biopsies can help confirm the diagnosis of viral gastritis by examining the stomach lining and detecting any inflammation or infection [11].
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing: PCR testing is a molecular test that can detect the genetic material of viruses, such as rotavirus or norovirus. This test can be used to confirm the presence of a viral infection in the stomach [5][6].

It's worth noting that diagnosis is often clinical, and these tests are not always necessary. A complete medical history and physical exam by a healthcare professional are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.

References:

[1] - Stool tests can detect rotavirus or norovirus (Search result 1) [5] - PCR testing can be used to confirm the presence of a viral infection in the stomach (Search result 5) [6] - Diagnosis is clinical, but PCR testing and immunoassays are increasingly used (Search result 6) [11] - Upper GI endoscopy with biopsies can help confirm the diagnosis of viral gastritis (Search result 11) [12] - Blood tests may be used to check for other causes of gastritis or signs of complications (Search result 12)