Stomach viruses tend to be contracted via the ingestion of contaminated food. While many diseases of the stomach and small intestine are viral in nature, many gastrointestinal diseases can be caused by bacteria and other pathogens. In most cases, stomach viruses are treated symptomatically, meaning that the primary treatment is management of symptoms, though these symptoms can often lead to serious complications.
Expert Insight
Gastroenteritis is a condition that results from inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is in general caused by viral infections, though occasionally it can result from bacteria or other pathogens. Gastroenteritis kills 5 to 8 million people per year.
Identification
Intake of contaminated food is the most common route of entry for gastric virii. Norovirus accounts for 50 percent of gastric viral infections. The norovirus is an RNA virus from the family Calciviridae. It is spread through feces, primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or by inadvertent person-to-person contact. Norovirus outbreaks tend to occur in closed or semi-closed communities, such as nursing homes, cruise ships and prisons. Other implicated viruses are rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus.
Effects
Most stomach viruses cause gastric pain and cramps to the point where it may be crippling. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In especially severe cases, bloody stools may result as well as fainting and weakness from dehydration.
Considerations
A diagnosis of a stomach virus tends to be a negative one; this means that other common causes of gastroenteritis are ruled out. Generally the first step is to look for and culture any bacteria in the stool; if no unusual fecal bacteria are observed, a diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is suspected. Other ways of identifying stomach viruses include looking for white blood cells in the stool and a careful medical history to try and identify possible sources of contaminants.
Prevention/Solution
Since most cases of viral gastroenteritis are self-limiting, most of these infections will clear up on their own. Most treatment of stomach viruses involves counteracting the symptoms. Usually this includes rehydrating the body from fluid loss and giving antidiarrheal agents. Although occasionally antibiotics can be administered, in the case of stomach viruses they will not treat the underlying cause and are usually used as a preventative measure. In addition, if vomiting or nausea are severe as a result of a stomach virus, various antiemetic and nausea-reducing drugs can be administered, such as Ondansetron.
Warning
While the symptoms of stomach virus infections are not generally serious, they can on occasion be life-threatening. Primarily of concern is dehydration, which can be severe. Norovirus, for example, is estimated to cause 300 deaths per year, mostly in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly and children. In children, viral infections can cause a high fever, leading to febrile convulsions. Additionally, if the symptoms of a viral infection do not go away within a few days, it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition and requires further medical attention.
Tags: contaminated food, stomach virus, viral infections, bacteria other, bacteria other pathogens, ingestion contaminated, ingestion contaminated food