What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of your stomach and intestines.
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Gastroenteritis is usually caused by an infection with a virus or bacteria
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You feel very sick to your stomach, throw up, and have diarrhea
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Throwing up and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in your body), which is especially dangerous in old people and babies
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To help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, wash your hands after using the bathroom and avoid undercooked food
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Gastroenteritis usually goes away on its own
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You'll need extra fluids and sometimes drugs to help stop vomiting or diarrhea
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Antibiotics don't usually help with gastroenteritis
What causes gastroenteritis?
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
How can doctors tell I have gastroenteritis?
How do doctors treat gastroenteritis?
For adults with mild gastroenteritis, doctors will have you:
If you're a healthy adult, the kind of fluid and food really doesn't matter.
If your baby or young child has gastroenteritis, you should give them:
Oral rehydration fluids have the right balance of salts and minerals that babies and young children need.
For more severe gastroenteritis, doctors may:
How can I prevent gastroenteritis?
The following lower your chance of getting gastroenteritis:
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Washing hands well after using the bathroom and before preparing food
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Cooking meat and eggs thoroughly
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Not eating food from street vendors while traveling
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Trying not to swallow water while swimming in lakes and oceans
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Getting your children the rotavirus vaccine
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For babies, breastfeeding
