ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Gastroenteritis

What is gastroenteritis?

30 December 2025

It is a condition that consists of an inflammatory process in the stomach and intestines that causes episodes of diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and possible dehydration. Therefore, it should be treated even though it does not usually represent major severity, especially in people who are in good health.

Gastroenteritis has various origins, including:

  • Viral.
  • Bacterial.
  • Parasitic.
  • Chemical.
  • Toxic (reaction to certain foods or drugs).

The different biological agents that cause gastroenteritis can be transmitted if there is contact with the germs and the hands are then brought to the mouth, nose, or eyes.

People who are at higher risk of serious complications like dehydration are:

  • Pregnant women.
  • Elderly people.
  • Patients with a depressed immune system.
  • People with severe illnesses.
  • Babies or young children.

Signs and symptoms Gastroenteritis

  • Diarrheal episodes.
  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Elevated temperature (fever).

When suffering from gastroenteritis, it is necessary to be alert for the following warning signs, which indicate a serious complication, making it necessary to seek medical consultation immediately:

  • Alterations in mood.
  • Fatigue.
  • Diarrheal episodes lasting more than three days.
  • Very high temperature (fever).
  • Constant vomiting.
  • More than seven bowel movements a day.
  • Abdomen with severe pain.
  • Fecal matter with red or black blood, in addition to purulent discharge.
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Oral dryness.
  • Headache (migraine).
  • Scanty and dark-colored urination.

Diagnosis and treatment Gastroenteritis

The doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, then perform a physical exam and request a stool test.

The treatment will depend on the origin of the gastroenteritis, but it usually consists of abundant fluid intake and probiotics, as well as antibiotics or antiparasitics, depending on the case.

In the Department of Internal Medicine at Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, covering both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute episodes, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Gastroenteritis

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Rodríguez-García R, Rodríguez-Silva R. Epidemiología de la diarrea aguda en niños. Bol Clin Hosp Infant Edo Son. 2020;37(2):94-102.
  • Hernández RJ, Morales AC, Núñez MM. Impact of a multiplex PCR on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute infectious gastroenteritis. Rev Mex Patol Clin Med Lab. 2020;67(3):129-141. doi:10.35366/96676.
  • Hernández MR, Reyes HKL, Reyes GU, et al. Gastroenteritis en niños asociada a mascotas. Enf Infec Microbiol. 2020;40(2):60-63.
  • Martínez-Hernández A, Martina-Luna M, Rendón-Macías ME, et al. Prescripción de antieméticos en urgencias en niños con gastroenteritis aguda. Rev Mex Pediatr. 2019;86(4):147-150. doi:10.35366/SP194D.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.