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Gastroenteritis (Diarrhoeal Disease)
Reviewed by the PMC Medical Team · Promise Medical Centre
Overview
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as "stomach flu" or diarrhoeal disease, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It is extremely common in Nigeria, particularly among children, and is closely linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and food hygiene. While most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of illness and death in young children due to dehydration, making prompt fluid replacement essential.
Symptoms
• Watery diarrhoea, sometimes with mucus or blood
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Low-grade fever
• Headache and body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, reduced urination, sunken eyes, dizziness, and in infants, a sunken soft spot on the head
When to See a Doctor
Most mild cases can be managed at home with oral rehydration and rest. See a doctor if diarrhoea or vomiting persists beyond 2–3 days, or if you're unable to keep fluids down.
Seek urgent medical care, especially in children and the elderly, if there is:
• Signs of significant dehydration (very little or no urine, extreme thirst, lethargy, sunken eyes)
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• High fever (above 39°C)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting preventing oral rehydration
• Confusion or reduced consciousness
• Diarrhoea lasting more than a few days without improvement in a young child, elderly person, or anyone with a weakened immune system
Causes
Gastroenteritis is most often caused by infections, spread through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person:
• Viruses: rotavirus (a leading cause in children), norovirus
• Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae (cholera)
• Parasites: Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica
• Non-infectious causes: food intolerances, certain medications, or reactions to contaminated food toxins
Risk Factors
• Unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation
• Poor food hygiene and improperly stored or undercooked food
• Close contact with an infected person, especially in households, schools, and crowded settings
• Young age, particularly children under 5
• Weakened immune system
• Travel to areas with poor sanitation
• Malnutrition, which increases susceptibility and severity
Complications
• Dehydration: the most common and dangerous complication, especially in young children and the elderly
• Electrolyte imbalance, which can affect heart and muscle function
• Malnutrition from repeated or prolonged episodes, particularly in children
• Kidney injury from severe dehydration
• Rarely, spread of infection beyond the gut (sepsis) in vulnerable individuals
Prevention
• Drink and use only clean, treated, or boiled water
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet
• Wash fruits and vegetables and cook food thoroughly
• Store food properly and avoid consuming food left unrefrigerated for long periods
• Practise good sanitation and safe disposal of waste
• Breastfeed infants where possible, which offers protective immunity
• Ensure children receive the rotavirus vaccine as part of routine immunisation