Gastroenteritis

//Western Diagnosis// infl of mucous membrane of stomach and intestine

Etiology
bacteria a. E. coli b. Staphylococcus c. Shigella dysenteriae d. Salmonella e. Campylobacter f. Vibrio cholerae g. Clostridium botulinum ---botulism ---home-canned foods ---veg, fruit, fish, condiments ---abrupt onset 18-36 hours after toxin ingestion ---bilateral symmetric neuro sx ---begins in cranial nerves with descending weakness or paralysis ---N, V, D ---no fever ---no sensory disturbances ---clear sensorium

2. viruses: most common cause 3. parasites [only ~10% of traveler's diarrhea] 4. toxic: --- nonbacterial food poisoning ---drugs 5. food allergies

Signs & Symptoms
1. usually sudden onset 2. malaise, anorexia 3. Nausea, Vomiting 4. cramps, Diarrhea with or without blood and mucous 5. borborygmus 6. distended, tender abdomen

Diagnosis
1. history 2. stool analysis 3. stool culture

Treatment
1. bed rest, fluids 2. as in diarrhea tx 3. antibiotics only for shigellosis 4. prevent spread and initial infection with proper hygiene, hand washing, food preparation 5. parasite: artimesia [wormwood] or myrrh; omphalia 18 [seven forests 5-7 tabs 3-4 times/day] 6. preventative while traveling: prebiotics