Acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as AGE is a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, fever

and stomach cramps. AGE can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Sources of the illness
are usually unknown. A patient can have one or all symptoms.

ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS
ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS (AGE)
Acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as AGE is a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, fever and
stomach cramps. AGE can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Sources of the illness are usually
unknown. A patient can have one or all symptoms.
When vomiting, a patient can become dehydrated and lose electrolytes. Electrolytes help our bodies
function, so it is very important to stop the vomiting as soon as possible. If excessive vomiting occurs, a
patient usually complains of weakness, dizziness and body aches.
Diarrhea is also a symptom of AGE. Diarrhea is the way the body gets rid of the virus or bacteria.
Contamination from the diarrhea is usually how AGE is passed from one person to the next. Good hand
washing after each bowel movement is strongly recommended. Over the counter medication such as
Imodium AD can help with symptoms, but is not a substitute for change in diet.
Wait two hours after your last episode of vomiting and slowly start clear liquids. We recommend about
of a cup every 15 minutes for one hour. Advance as tolerated. Stay on clear liquid diet for 24 hours. If
unable to tolerate clear liquids seek medical attention ASAP. AGE Diet:
Clear Liquid Diet
Water
Gatorade
Jell-O
7up or Sprite
Beef or Chicken Broth (FAT FREE)
After tolerating clear liquids for 24 hours advance to the BRAT (or bland) diet. Continue with the clear
liquids as well. If vomiting resumes with the BRAT diet, return to the clear liquid diet for another 24
hours. If diarrhea does not subside after 3 days after changing diet, then seek medical attention. BRAT
Diet:
Bananas
Rice (white)
Applesauce
Toast
Crackers
Potato (baked or boiled)
No Dairy: butter, margarine, milk, cheese, ice cream, sour cream
No greasy or fried food. Avoid processed foods as well.
No fresh fruits or salads (except the banana and potato) if having diarrhea
What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis?
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the world's most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young
children. Norovirus is the most common cause of serious gastroenteritis and
also foodborne disease outbreaks in the U.S. Although not as common, bacteria
such as E. coli and salmonella can also trigger the stomach flu. May 1, 2016
Bacterial gastroenteritis happens when bacteria causes an infection in your gut. This
causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines. You may also experience symptoms
like vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. While viruses cause
many gastrointestinal infections, bacterial infections are also common.Jul 28, 2016

Pathophysiology
Adequate fluid balance in humans depends on the secretion and reabsorption
of fluid and electrolytes in the intestinal tract; diarrhea occurs when intestinal
fluid output overwhelms the absorptive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract.
The 2 primary mechanisms responsible for acute gastroenteritis are (1)
damage to the villous brush border of the intestine, causing malabsorption of
intestinal contents and leading to an osmotic diarrhea, and (2) the release of
toxins that bind to specific enterocyte receptors and cause the release of
chloride ions into the intestinal lumen, leading to secretory diarrhea. [2]
Even in severe diarrhea, however, various sodium-coupled solute co-transport
mechanisms remain intact, allowing for the efficient reabsorption of salt and
water. By providing a 1:1 proportion of sodium to glucose, classic oral
rehydration solution (ORS) takes advantage of a specific sodium-glucose
transporter (SGLT-1) to increase the reabsorption of sodium, which leads to
the passive reabsorption of water. Rice and cereal-based ORS may also take
advantage of sodium-amino acid transporters to increase reabsorption of fluid
and electrolytes. [2]