Can you have gastroenteritis without vomiting or diarrhea?
Gastroenteritis is typically characterized by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are not the only ones linked with this condition.
It is possible to have gastroenteritis without vomiting [1]. In such cases, nausea can be accompanied by fever, muscle and stomach aches, and cramps [2].
Another symptom that can occur during gastroenteritis is delayed stomach emptying. it can develop without vomiting or diarrhea [1].
Gastroenteritis presents differently depending on the causative agent. For example, if gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, the symptoms may not include vomiting or diarrhea [3].
It is possible to have gastroenteritis without diarrhea or vomiting. However, both the symptoms are the most common presentation of this condition. It is uncommon to have gastroenteritis without vomiting or diarrhea.
What are causes of gastroenteritis?
Three types of infective agents can cause gastroenteritis:
- viruses,
- bacteria,
- parasites.
The most common viral infections leading to gastroenteritis are rotavirus and norovirus [4]. Other viral causative agents of gastroenteritis include astroviruses, adenoviruses, and caliciviruses [5, 6, 7].
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Parasites that can lead to gastroenteritis are Giardia and Cryptosporidium. These parasites can be acquired through contaminated water, food, and soil [9].
Gastroenteritis is often referred to as the "stomach flu." It is crucial to remember that the cause of the flu is the influenza virus. This virus affects the upper respiratory tract, not the gastrointestinal tract [4]. Therefore, the influenza virus does not cause gastroenteritis.
What are symptoms of gastroenteritis
The symptoms of gastroenteritis can vary. Among the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are:
Diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis often has a watery and loose consistency. Typically, it occurs more than three times a day [11].
Abdominal pain or cramps in gastroenteritis can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the belly. The rage of pain can be mild to severe [10, 2].
Nausea and vomiting can lead to loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss if it persists for many days [10, 9].
Fever in gastroenteritis is often low-grade. However, in severe cases, it can become high [10, 2].
Gastroenteritis can lead to muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. It can also cause dehydration and dizziness [11, 9].
Severe cases of gastroenteritis can present with blood in the stool. This situation is a medical emergency and has to be treated immediately [10, 11].
Gastroenteritis often starts abruptly. Symptoms can develop within one to two hours. The duration of the disease can take from one day to even two weeks [11].
Nevertheless, in some cases, the symptoms can develop slower within one to two weeks, and the gastroenteritis persists for several days [9].
What is the treatment of gastroenteritis?
The main objective of gastroenteritis treatment is the prevention of dehydration and the delivery of nutrition. Fluids, electrolytes, and an appropriate diet can reduce the duration of diarrhea [12, 4].
The most important is fluid management. In mild cases, the fluid is taken orally. Unique solutions for rehydration are available, like Pedialyte. They include also electrolytes [11].
However, in severe cases, the fluids are given to the patients intravenously [11].
Probiotics can be used to shorten the gastrointestinal symptoms. Among the bacteria recommended are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus reuteri [12, 13].
Antibiotics are recommended only in severe cases of bacterial gastroenteritis. In cases of parasitic infections, the therapy can include antiparasitic drugs [4].
The primary management of viral gastroenteritis is symptomatic [14].
Do I have to see a doctor when having gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis typically resolves on its own [4]. However, there are certain situations where it's crucial to seek medical attention.
When you experience symptoms like severe watery diarrhea or blood in your stool, fever, dry mouth, dizziness, or you stop urinating, you have to see a doctor as soon as possible [2].
In other cases, you must seek medical help when your diarrhea does not improve after two days [2].
In the case of small children, the parents need to contact the pediatrician when they vomit, have diarrhea, and stop drinking water. This situation can quickly lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for children [15].