Gastroentritis is an ailment characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining along with small and large intestines as well. This is caused by microorganisms or intake of chemical toxins and drugs; the condition causes mild to severe diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, cramps, ulcers, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and discomfort in the abdomen.

It is most commonly caused by viruses like Rotavirus, Norovirus, Astrovirus and Adenovirus which enter the human body through fecal-oral transfer. Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused mainly by Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli and Campylobacter and is contracted through ingestion of undercooked poultry, contact with cats, dogs and reptiles.

Intestinal parasites like Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Entamoeba histolytica also invade the intestinal lining through contaminated food and water, causing gastroenteritis symptoms. Chemical gastroenteritis occurs when you ingest food and water polluted by arsenic, lead, mercury, or cadmium. The high acidic content of citrus fruits can also cause the disease.

Gastroenteritis is most prevalent in summer because people intake a lot of food, water and beverages from street vendors to gain respite from the heat when outside. This contaminated food and water can result in infection. Use of swimming pools polluted with infected stools of animals or other persons in summer is also a source of gastroenteritis.

The only remedy for gastroenteritis is bed rest and intake of adequate liquids other than carbonated beverages to ease dehydration. For severe dehydration intravenous fluid and electrolyte provision is required. Bland foods may be given to the patient when his condition improves. To control diarrhea doctors may prescribe drugs depending on the patient’s age and the type of organism that is causing infection. Intake of probiotics or friendly bacteria through yoghurt is regarded safe.

Preventives of gastroenteritis include the rotavirus vaccine and proper hygiene. Undercooked food and polluted water should not be ingested. Pasteurized dairy products should be used and infants should be breast fed. During summer care must be taken when eating out to ensure that whatever food one is ingesting it should’ve been cooked under hygienic conditions especially with clean and boiled water.