digestive disorders
Overview of Gastroenteritis
Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis
A doctor's evaluation History of contact with ill people, certain animals, or contaminated food or water; recent travel; or antibiotic use Sometimes stool tests The diagnosis of gastroenteritis is usually obvious from the symptoms alone, but doctors consider other gastrointestinal disorders that cause similar symptoms (for example, Ulcerative Colitis ). The cause of gastroenteritis often is not obvious and needs to be sought. Sometimes other family members or coworkers have recently been ill with similar symptoms, or people have had contact with certain animals. Other times, gastroenteritis can be traced to contaminated water or inadequately cooked, spoiled, or contaminated food, such as raw seafood or mayonnaise left out of the refrigerator too long. Recent travel, especially to certain foreign countries, and recent antibiotic use may give clues as well. If the symptoms are severe or last for more than 48 hours, stool samples may be examined in a laboratory for white blood cells and bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Seriously ill people may need blood tests to determine whether they have water and electrolyte imbalances or tests to determine how their kidneys are functioning. If the symptoms persist longer than expected, a doctor may need to examine the large intestine with a Endoscopy (a flexible viewing tube used to view the lower part of the digestive tract) to determine whether the person has a disease such as 