Acute gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, stomach and intestines. It can also be referred to as a diarrhoeal disease of rapid onset with or without symptoms or signs.

The agents responsible for the inflammation are bacteria. Meanwhile, viruses and parasites can also cause non-inflammatory gastroenteritis. Water scarcity and poor water hygiene contribute to the spread of gastroenteritis.

They are one of the most common and costly clinical problems in children and public health concerns in Nigeria. In August 2021, Sokoto state recorded over 260 cases and about 39 deaths as a result of the Gastroenteritis outbreak. Also, Ebonyi state recorded an outbreak of gastroenteritis in November 2021.

Risk factors include older people, young children, handling raw fish and meat, travelling to places with outbreaks and not washing hands after using the toilet.

Gastroenteritis can be serious if it causes dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, loss of appetite, weight loss and dehydration.

Laboratory diagnosis might not be necessary if the diarrhoea can be treated with oral rehydration therapy. Meanwhile, when oral therapy fails, laboratory tests are necessary. An increased urinary specific gravity and a low urinary output reflect significant dehydration. Stool samples can also be screened to detect bacteria, occult blood or leucocytes. Electrolytes, urea and creatinine tests are also important laboratory tests. These tests help to detect the actual cause of gastroenteritis.

Visit MedBioTechLab for your Stool MCS and Biochemical tests for early diagnosis of Gastroenteritis.

References:

thenationonlineng.net

www.medicalnewstoday.com

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.verywellhealth.com