What is a typical cause of Gastroenteritis?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to identify the common cause of gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. The options provided include dietary and lifestyle factors, as well as potential infections.
Answer
Gastroenteritis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as norovirus or rotavirus, or by bacterial food poisoning or contaminated food and water.
Gastroenteritis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common culprits include norovirus and rotavirus. It can also result from bacterial food poisoning or contaminated food and water.
Answer for screen readers
Gastroenteritis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common culprits include norovirus and rotavirus. It can also result from bacterial food poisoning or contaminated food and water.
More Information
Gastroenteritis is often referred to as 'stomach flu,' although it is not caused by the influenza virus. Most people recover without complications, but it can be serious for infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking all cases of gastroenteritis are due to food poisoning, while viral infections are a frequent cause. Also, it's important to maintain hydration as dehydration is a common complication. Using anti-diarrheal medications can prolong the infection.
Sources
- Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
- Gastroenteritis: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”) - NIDDK - niddk.nih.gov
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