ACUTE GASTRO

ENTERITIS
(AGE)
An illness triggered by the infection and
inflammation of the digestive system
It is commonly known as stomach flu
AGE is also known as infection diarrhea
and gastro, is an inflammation of the
gastrointestinal tract including the
stomach and intestine.
“diarrhea disease of rapid onset” with or
without accompanying symptoms
Causes of AGE
Viruses – such as norovirus, calicivirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and
adenovirus
Bacteria – such as the campylobacter bacterium.
Parasites – such as entamoeba histolytica, giardia lamblia and
cryptosporidium
Bacteria toxin - the bacteria themselves don’t cause illness, but their
poisonous by-products can contaminate food. Some strains of
staphylococcal bacteria produce toxins that can cause gastroenteritis
Chemicals - lead poisoning, for example, can trigger gastroenteritis
Medication- certain medication (such as antibiotics), can cause
gastroenteritis in susceptible people.
POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION OF
AGE
Person to Person
Contaminated food and water
Animal to Human
Multiple routes
Symptoms of AGE
 Watery diarrhea
 Vomiting
 Nausea
 Stomach Cramps and Pain
 Occasional muscle aches (headache)
 Low-grade fever
 DIAGNOSIS OF AGE

The doctor will likely diagnose AGE base on:
- symptoms
- physical exam
- blood test
-medical history
- stool test
- sometimes on the presence of similar cases in a
community

It
 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
OF AGE
POINTS TO SUPPORT POINTS TO AGAINTS
Small bowel - Vomiting - The vomitous
obstruction - diarrhea was not bile-
(intussusception)
stained
- The abdominal
pain was not
severe
- No blood
stained stool
 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
OF AGE
POINTS TO SUPPORT POINTS TO AGAINTS
POINTS TO SUPPORT
POINTS TO AGAINTS
Acute appendicitis - Vomiting - Usually not
- Abdominal pain associated with
diarrhea
RISK FACTORS OF AGE
Gastroenteritis occurs all over the world and can affect
people at all age.

People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis:

 Young Children – children in child care centers or elementary
schools may be especially vulnerable because it takes time for a
child’s immune system to mature.
 Older Adults – adult immune systems tends to be less efficient
later in life. Older adults in nursing homes are vulnerable because
their immune systems weaken. They also live in close contact
with others who may pass along germs.
 School children or dorminatory residents - anywhere
that groups of people come together in close quarters
can be an environment for an intestinal infection to get
passed.
 Anyone with a weakened immune system. If your
resistance to infection is low – for instance, if your
immune system is compromised by HIV/AIDS,
chemotherapy or another medical condition – you may
be especially at risk.

Each gastrointestinal virus has a season when it’s most

active. If you live on the northern hemisphere, for
instance, you’re more likely to have rotavirus or norovirus
infections in the winter or spring.
RISK FACTORS OF AGE
Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing, can
spread germs that cause gastroenteritis.
Contaminated food and water: Consuming food or water contaminated with
bacteria, parasites, or viruses can cause gastroenteritis.
Travel: Travel to foreign countries or areas with poor sanitation can increase the
risk of exposure to contaminated water.
Close contact with an infected person: Certain types of gastroenteritis are highly
contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person.
Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system can make a person
susceptible to contracting gastroenteritis.
Age: Infants and young children are more susceptible to gastroenteritis.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can upset the
balance of bacteria in the digestive tract and increase the risk of gastroenteritis.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES of AGE
People can reduce their chances of getting
infected by:
- frequent hand-washing
- prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces
- prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing
- avoiding food or water that’s is thought to be
contaminated.
TREATMENT FOR AGE
Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:
Plenty of fluids
Oral rehydration drinks, available from your pharmacist.
Admission to hospital and intravenous fluid replacement, in severe
cases.
Antibiotics, if bacteria are the cause.
Drugs to kill the parasites, if parasites are the cause.
Avoiding anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea drugs unless prescribed or
recommended by your doctor, because these medications will keep the
infection inside your body.