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Gastroenteritis easy notes pathophysiology, Study notes of Pathophysiology

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical UniversityPathophysiology

Subject -pathophysiology Topic- gastroenteritis Year-2025-2026 course- pharm D, B pharm, D pharm, MBBS all medical feild. Author- Rohit Kumar Singh

Typology: Study notes

2025/2026

Available from 05/30/2026

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GASTROENTERITIS
Introduction of Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a condition in which the stomach and intestines become
inflamed due to infection. It is commonly known as stomach flu or intestinal
infection. This condition usually occurs when a person consumes contaminated
food or water or comes in contact with infected individuals.
Gastroenteritis is mainly caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The infection
affects the digestive system and leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting,
stomach cramps, and fever. It can affect people of all ages but is more common
in children, elderly people, and individuals with weak immune systems.
Most cases of gastroenteritis are mild and resolve within a few days, but severe
cases may cause dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Proper hygiene, safe food practices, and clean drinking water are important to
prevent this infection.
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GASTROENTERITIS

Introduction of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a condition in which the stomach and intestines become inflamed due to infection. It is commonly known as stomach flu or intestinal infection. This condition usually occurs when a person consumes contaminated food or water or comes in contact with infected individuals. Gastroenteritis is mainly caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The infection affects the digestive system and leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in children, elderly people, and individuals with weak immune systems. Most cases of gastroenteritis are mild and resolve within a few days, but severe cases may cause dehydration due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes. Proper hygiene, safe food practices, and clean drinking water are important to prevent this infection.

Types of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be classified based on the cause of infection.

  1. Viral Gastroenteritis This is the most common type of gastroenteritis. It is caused by viruses that infect the stomach and intestines. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected people. Examples: Rotavirus, Norovirus.
  2. Bacterial Gastroenteritis This type is caused by bacteria that enter the body through contaminated food or water. It may cause more severe symptoms such as high fever and severe diarrhea.

Examples: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter.

  1. Parasitic Gastroenteritis This type occurs due to infection by parasites, usually through contaminated water or poor hygiene.

Examples: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica.

  1. Non-infectious Gastroenteritis This type is not caused by microorganisms but by factors such as certain medications, food intolerance, or toxins.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

  • Diarrhea (frequent loose or watery stools)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Food poisoning or toxins – Some bacteria produce toxins in food that cause gastroenteritis.
  • Certain medications or food intolerance – Some drugs or intolerance to certain foods can irritate the stomach and intestines.

Pathophysiology of Gastroenteritis

  • Pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites enter the body through contaminated food or water.
  • These microorganisms reach the stomach and small intestine and attach to the intestinal epithelial cells.
  • The pathogens multiply and release toxins or directly damage the intestinal mucosal cells.
  • This damage leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining.
  • The infection disrupts normal absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestine.
  • As a result, there is increased secretion of fluids into the intestinal lumen.
  • This causes watery diarrhea and vomiting.
  • Continuous loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
  • In severe cases, inflammation may cause abdominal cramps, fever, and weakness.

Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis

  • Medical history – The doctor asks about symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and recent food intake.
  • Physical examination – The doctor checks for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, low blood pressure, and weakness.
  • Stool examination – A stool sample is tested to identify bacteria, viruses, or parasites causing the infection.
  • Blood tests – Blood tests help detect infection and check electrolyte levels in the body.
  • Electrolyte test – Measures levels of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes to detect imbalance.
  • Rapid antigen tests – Used to detect certain viruses such as rotavirus or norovirus.
  • Imaging tests – In severe or complicated cases, ultrasound or CT scan may be used to rule out other abdominal diseases.

Treatment of Gastroenteritis

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Mechanism: ORS works by promoting absorption of sodium and water in the small intestine through the sodium-glucose co-transport mechanism, which helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Example: WHO Oral Rehydration Solution.

  • Intravenous (IV) Fluids Mechanism: IV fluids restore fluid volume and correct electrolyte imbalance

Treatment Algorithm for Gastroenteritis

  1. Patient Assessment o Evaluate symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. o Check for signs of dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, low urine output).
  2. Determine Severity of Dehydration o Mild dehydration: Slight thirst, mild weakness. o Moderate dehydration: Dry mouth, reduced urine, dizziness. o Severe dehydration: Very low urine, confusion, rapid pulse, low blood pressure.
  3. Rehydration Therapy o Mild to moderate dehydration: Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). o Severe dehydration: Give Intravenous fluids (Normal saline or Ringer’s lactate).
  4. Symptomatic Treatment o Antiemetics: Ondansetron, Metoclopramide for vomiting. o Antidiarrheal drugs: Loperamide to reduce diarrhea (in selected cases). o Antipyretics: Paracetamol for fever.
  5. Specific Treatment Based on Cause o Bacterial infection: Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin). o Parasitic infection: Antiparasitic drugs (Metronidazole, Tinidazole). o Viral infection: Usually supportive treatment; antiviral drugs rarely needed.
  1. Nutritional Support o Encourage light and easily digestible food. o Continue breastfeeding in infants.
  2. Monitoring and Follow-up o Monitor hydration status and electrolyte balance. o Adjust treatment if symptoms worsen or complications occur.
  3. Prevention and Education o Maintain proper hygiene and hand washing. o Drink clean and safe water. o Eat properly cooked food.