Bacterial Gastroenteritis

When diarrhea accompanied by fever and malaise appears after an infection of the digestive tract, it may be bacterial gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria.

How does it present? It usually involves diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and, at times, fever; fluid loss is one of the main concerns, especially in young children.

Common causes: it is associated with drinking or eating contaminated water or food and with contact with surfaces or people carrying the bacteria.

Which specialist treats it? The general practitioner, the pediatrician in the case of children, and the gastroenterologist can evaluate the condition; the infectious disease specialist takes part when it is necessary to identify the causative agent. At persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration, the most sensible thing is to seek medical guidance without delay.