The causes and treatments for gastroenteritis

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am glad that I can help you.

You would like to know the cause of your current condition.

Gastroenteritis (also known as gastric flu, and stomach flu) is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine, resulting in acute diarrhea. It can be transferred by contact with contaminated food and water. The inflammation is caused most often by an infection from certain viruses or less often by bacteria, their toxins, parasites, or an adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication. Various sources of the infection are improperly prepared food, reheated meat dishes, seafood, dairy, and bakery products. The condition is usually of acute onset, normally lasting 1–6 days, and is self-limiting. It is characterized with the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, headaches, abnormal flatulence, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, sometimes bloody stools, fainting and weakness.

Given the data that you described, you may be experiencing mild gastroenteritis. If you experience nausea or diarrhea you may need to be taking oral rehydration solutions. You may consider having a bacterial culture with antibiogram or a microscopical exam of a stool sample if you experience severe diarrhea.

Please keep in mind that I provide medical information only. I am not able to diagnose medical conditions online. Please contact your doctor for further advice and information about diagnosis and treatment options.