Acute Gastroenteritis in Adults and Children

What Is Acute Gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is a common digestive illness that affects both adults and children¹²³⁻⁴. It refers to an inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, usually resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps¹ ⁴.

This condition is primarily caused by viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus¹²⁴⁻⁵. However, bacteria and parasites can also be responsible⁶⁻⁷. This condition is highly contagious, especially when of viral origin¹².

Viral Gastroenteritis

Most cases, particularly in winter, are caused by viruses like:

Rotavirus – A major cause of diarrhea in children aged 6–24 months. It often leads to significant dehydration and is responsible for many pediatric hospitalizations¹⁴⁻⁵.
Norovirus (Calicivirus) – The leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks across all age groups².
Adenovirus – Frequently affects young children with symptoms of diarrhea¹².

Vaccination against rotavirus has significantly decreased the number of serious cases in several countries⁵.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

More common during summer, especially in developing countries. Common bacterial agents include:

Escherichia coli (E. coli) – Especially affects children⁶.
Campylobacter – Linked to rural areas with cattle; causes watery or bloody diarrhea⁶.
Shigella – Common in young children⁶.
Salmonella – Spread by infected animals or contaminated food; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and watery to dysenteric diarrhea⁶⁻⁷.
Cholera (Vibrio cholerae) – Causes life-threatening dehydration within hours if not treated. Known for « rice water stools » and absence of fever⁷.

Parasitic Gastroenteritis

The most common culprit is Giardia intestinalis, found in:

2–5% of children in developed countries ⁹
Up to 30% in developing regions ⁹

It causes chronic diarrhea and is linked to poor sanitation and water quality. ¹⁰

How Gastroenteritis Spreads

Fecal-Oral Route

This is the most common transmission pathway¹ ⁸, especially for bacterial, protozoal, and parasitic infections.

Contamination can occur through:

Dirty hands
Unwashed or improperly cooked food
Infected fecal matter on bedding, towels, toys, or utensils

Airborne Droplets

Certain viruses can also be transmitted through coughing and sneezing, especially in group settings like schools or daycare centers.¹²

Symptoms of Acute Gastroenteritis

Symptoms generally appear²⁻⁴ and may include:

Sudden onset diarrhea (up to 4 times daily or more)
Nausea and vomiting
Moderate fever
Abdominal cramping
Occasional presence of blood in stool

Hydration is crucial to prevent complications like dehydration¹ ⁴ ⁸.

What to Do If You Have Gastroenteritis

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. ¹ ³ ⁴ ⁸

Helpful beverages include:

Water
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Light vegetable broths
Herbal teas

Seek Medical Advice

In cases of acute diarrhea, pharmacists or qualified doctors may recommend the appropriate treatment. ⁸

Based on the cause, treatment may include:

Probiotics to restore gut flora⁷
Antidiarrheal medications⁹
Enzyme supplements for pancreatic issues
Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection is confirmed) ⁷ ⁸

What to Eat During Gastroenteritis

Recommended Foods ³ ⁴ ⁸

White rice, plain pasta
Boiled carrots
Roasted or boiled meats
Applesauce or ripe apples
Toast, breadsticks, pretzels
Fresh cheese (low-fat)

Recommended Drinks

Salted broths
Sweetened water
Herbal teas

Avoid³ ⁴

Raw fruits and vegetables (except bananas)
Iced beverages
Spicy, fatty, or dairy-heavy foods (unless probiotic-based)

Frequent small meals and electrolyte-rich fluids help support recovery.

Protecting Others: Hygiene Tips

To prevent spreading the infection: ¹ ² ⁴ ⁸

Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Change towels regularly
Store toothbrushes separately
Disinfect shared surfaces like phones, door handles, and sinks
Sanitize the toilet after each use
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Use disposable wipes and tissues
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

These steps are especially important if you are around children, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised people.

Why Smecta® Is the Right Choice

Traps or adsorbs the causal agents or infective agents¹³ ¹⁴
Protects and reinforces the intestinal mucosa with its coating capacity¹⁵
Clinically validated for most diarrhea types¹⁰ ¹⁶
Safe for children and adults⁹
Recommended by international guidelines in combination with ORS in children¹⁷
Easy to use – available in Ready to Use Stick⁹
Made from natural ingredients – natural therapeutic clay¹⁶
High Quality standards from extraction, purification and release, preserving the properties of a natural clay⁹

Smecta doesn’t mask the symptoms – it treats and stops diarrhea fast and supports intestinal recovery with an excellent safety profile⁹ ¹⁶

Discover our products

FAQ

How long does acute gastroenteritis last?

Most cases resolve within 1–3 days, but symptoms may linger for up to a week³ ⁴.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical help if you notice blood in the stool, dehydration symptoms, persistent vomiting, or if symptoms worsen after 48 hours⁴ ⁸.

Is gastroenteritis contagious?

Yes, especially in the first few days. Strict hygiene is crucial to prevent transmission¹ ² ⁴.

What should children eat during gastroenteritis?

Easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, and clear broths³ ⁴. Consult a pediatrician if unsure³.

Can I go to work or school?

Only after symptoms have cleared for at least 24 hours. For children, avoid pools for 2 weeks post-recovery⁴.

Can I prevent it with a vaccine?

Yes, rotavirus vaccines are effective in preventing severe pediatric cases due to rotavirus⁵.

Alimentation et hydratation, Causes et Symptômes, Prévention et traitement