Common Gastro Symptoms : What To Do & When To See A Doctor?

Overview

Gastrointestinal (GI) distress encompasses various disruptive gastro symptoms spanning the route food travels beginning a person's mouth through to the intestines. While many benign causes induce temporary symptoms readily resolved at home, certain scenarios warrant clinical evaluation to rule out emergent conditions or establish targeted management plans for long-lasting relief. This article looks at common gastro symptoms, typical benign triggers, some at-home measures, and red flags that require urgent medical attention.

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "gastro", is an infection of the stomach and intestines (the gastrointestinal system) causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. It can be infectious spreading rapidly through household members usually through contact with the vomit or faeces of the infected person. Gastroenteritis is common in Australia with up to 7 million cases of food-borne disease recorded each year. Gastroenteritis means 'inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract'. Commonly it refers to inflammation caused by pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites). Infective causes of gastroenteritis are often communicable (contagious) spreading from person to person through contact with contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. Most cases of gastroenteritis are self-limiting (get better on their own) within a week. However, some people can be very unwell, especially young children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems (e.g., on chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medications). There is a risk of dehydration if lost fluids and electrolytes cannot be replaced. Management usually involves rehydration and symptom management, though severe cases may need hospital admission.

Causes

Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites are common causes of gastroenteritis:

1. Viral gastroenteritis:

• Norovirus: This highly transmissible virus is one of the leading global causes of gastroenteritis.
• Rotavirus: primarily affecting young children (in Australia, vaccination for rotavirus is routinely provided to young children).
• Adenovirus: a common cause of gastroenteritis in children.
• Astrovirus: commonly affecting children and the elderly.

2. Bacterial gastroenteritis:

• Salmonella: Commonly acquired from raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or contaminated water.
• Campylobacter: found in raw or under-cooked poultry.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): certain strains of E.coli may cause severe gastroenteritis, frequently associated with contaminated food, particularly undercooked beef or polluted vegetables.
• Clostridium perfringes: sources include improperly stored meat and sauces.

3. Parasitic infections:

• Giardia: A parasite associated with watery diarrhoea and foul-smelling flatus (wind) and stool, often contracted from contaminated water, especially untreated water from lakes or streams.
• Entamoeba histolytica: A parasite that causes amoebic dysentery (severe diarrhoea often with blood or mucus). Usually spread through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation.
• Cryptosporidium: A parasite causing diarrhoea and commonly transmitted via contaminated water, especially in swimming pools or potable water.

Gastroenteritis is usually transmitted through poor hygiene practices, such as failing to wash hands after using the restroom, consuming contaminated food or water, or having close contact with an infected person.

Common Symptoms

Gastro symptoms include a variety of conditions affecting the digestive system. The most common symptoms are:

1. Abdominal Pain — Muscle tension and menstrual cycles often provoke abdominal pain. Less frequent causes include trapped wind, constipation, intense exercise, anxiety, gastroenteritis, gastritis or peptic ulcers.
2. Bloating — Aerophagia (swallowing air) from eating quickly, drinking carbonated drinks, chewing gum, smoking and wearing loose dentures promotes bloating. Beans, lentils, Brussels sprouts and onions contain oligosaccharides – these cannot be adequately absorbed in the small intestine and then go on to ferment in the large intestine, eventually triggering gas. Temporary constipation stretching intestinal walls induces bloating as well.
3. Acid Reflux — Dietary triggers like rich sauces, alcohol and caffeine, pregnancy hormone shifts relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter, excess body weight putting mechanical pressure on the abdomen, and cigarettes affecting the effectiveness of the oesophageal sphincter to close, resulting in reflux of bile that damages the mucosal lining.
4. Diarrhoea — Rushing digestion following heavy, fatty meals or triggered by select ingredients floods intestines with fluid, causing diarrhoea. Anxiety also hastens intestinal motility. Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, laxative overuse, IBS and IBD are also common causes of diarrheal disease.
5. Nausea and vomiting — Infections, migraines, motion disturbance, vertigo disturbances, chemical toxins, gallbladder inflammation, gastric ulcers, bowel obstructions and numerous medications are examples of common triggers of nausea and vomiting.
6. Constipation — Insufficient fibre and fluids, altered routines disrupting natural rhythm, low thyroid activity, certain medications, hormonal transitions of menstruation or menopause, as well as certain chronic illnesses can contribute to constipation.

Telehealth may not be suitable for all gastrointestinal conditions. Patients experiencing severe abdominal pain or neurological symptoms require an in-person physical examination.

Natural Home Remedies

Implementing these first-line comfort measures show proven benefits in dampening numerous GI issues:

• Oral hydration therapy replenishes fluid volume losses observed with nausea & vomiting or diarrhoea, stabilising electrolyte levels. Coconut water, diluted fruit juices and oral rehydration solutions enhance hydration efficiency.
• Eliminating potential trigger factors provides relief for some individuals. Common dietary Gastro symptom triggers include gas-producing foods, compounds exacerbating reflux like spice, alcohol or caffeine and items instigating diarrhoea such as excess fat, insoluble fibre or known intolerances.
• Stress moderation lowers stress hormone and neurotransmitter activity which directly stimulate GI hypersensitivity, accelerate gut motility and inhibit digestive secretions. Mindfulness, cognitive therapy, massage and exercise helps to counter stress.
• Over-the-counter antacids, anti-diarrhoeals and osmotic laxatives available without prescription helps with the symptoms of reflux, diarrhoea or constipation respectively when used properly at recommended dosages.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a medical practitioner before attempting home remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

Prevention

Here are some tips to help prevent gastroenteritis:

1. Keep hands clean: Make sure to wash your hands often using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before you touch any food. If you can't get to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer but be aware that some pathogens are resistant to these.
2. Don't share personal things: Try not to share things like forks, towels, toothbrushes, or cups with anyone else to reduce the chance of spreading germs.
3. Clean shared surfaces: Make it a habit to wipe down commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, counters, and bathroom fixtures with a disinfectant that has chlorine bleach to get rid of germs.
4. Prepare food safely: Be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables well, cook foods to the right temperatures, and if you're feeling sick or taking care of someone who is, it's best not to cook.
5. Keep sick people apart: If someone is sick, try to keep them in a different room and, if you can, give them a separate bathroom. Reduce direct contact and remind them to practice good hygiene too.
6. Be careful with laundry: Wash dirty clothes and linens separately in hot water. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves when you handle soiled items and remember to wash your hands well afterwards.
7. Boost your immune system: Eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of sleep can help your body fight off infections.
8. Be aware of early signs: Keep an eye out for symptoms of gastroenteritis like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you notice any of these, it's best to consult a doctor right away.
9. Teach your family: Make sure everyone at home knows why good hygiene matters and encourage them to stick to these habits consistently to help stop the spread of gastro.

How to Avoid Gastro When the Family Has It?

To reduce the risk of gastroenteritis when a close family member has it, follow these preventative measures:

1. Hand hygiene: it's really important to keep your hands clean. Wash them often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers/nappies, or touching surfaces and objects the infected family member has been in contact with. If you can't access soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can help but some pathogens can be resistant to alcohol cleansers. Try to keep the sick family member isolated in a separate room and set aside a bathroom just for them. Limit your contact with the person.
2. Clean surfaces regularly: Make sure to clean surfaces regularly like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures—using a disinfectant that has chlorine bleach in it. Disposable gloves can help when cleaning and always wash your hands afterwards. It's wise to avoid sharing personal items like utensils, drinking glasses, towels or toothbrushes with the sick person to stop the spread.
3. Safe handling of food: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cook food to the correct temperature, and be cautious about prepping food, particularly items usually eaten raw such as fruit and vegetables, sandwiches and sharing plates. Throw out any food that might be contaminated.
4. Monitor for symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. If you notice any signs of illness, act quickly to isolate yourself.
5. Make sure everyone in the house understands these preventive steps. These simple actions can help keep gastroenteritis from spreading at home.

What To Do When Your Child Has Gastro?

When your child has gastroenteritis, focus on keeping them comfortable and hydrated while preventing the illness from spreading. These steps can help your child recover with ease while reducing the risk of spreading gastroenteritis in your home.

1. Keep them hydrated: Dehydration is the biggest concern. Offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte or water. Avoid sugar sweetened beverages and fatty and spicy foods as these can be poorly tolerated. For breastfeeding infants, continue breastfeeding as usual but consider early medical review as the symptoms of dehydration and sepsis are not always clear in very young children.
2. Offer a gentle diet: Once vomiting subsides, introduce bland foods like bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid spicy, fatty, or dairy-rich foods until their stomach is settled. Let them eat only if they feel ready.
3. Ensure rest and comfort: Encourage your child to rest and keep them comfortable in a calm environment. Rest is crucial for recovery.
4. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up vomit, changing diapers, or handling anything your child has touched. Disinfect surfaces, especially in the bathroom, and wash soiled clothing and linens in hot water.
5. Monitor for signs of dehydration: Watch for dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination, pale skin, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional urgently.
6. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications: Do not give over-the-counter anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications unless advised by a doctor, as they may not be suitable for children.
7. Seek medical help when needed: Contact a doctor if your child shows severe symptoms like a high fever, blood in their stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or if the illness lasts more than a couple of days.
8. Minimise Spread to Others: Isolate your child as much as possible. Use a separate bathroom for them if available and ensure other family members maintain proper hygiene.

Alert Signs Necessary for Urgent Clinical Evaluation

While home interventions help with many gastro symptoms, watch for warning signs that will require a medical assessment by a doctor:

• Persistent symptoms not responding to standard home managements beyond 3-5 days. Ongoing issues are signs of a potential underlying chronic condition that may require further assessment by your GP.
• Acute onset of severe pain, especially when progressively intensifying, representing potential bowel obstruction, perforation or peritonitis requiring emergency surgical evaluation.
• Blood in the vomit or stools, which may reflect bleeding ulcers, tumours or diverticula requiring endoscopic visualisation and management.
• Unintentional weight loss above 4.5kg (or 5% of body weight) over six months hinting at malnutrition secondary to malabsorption syndromes, pancreatic insufficiency or occult malignancies, all require a clinical workup.
• Rapid swallowing difficulties should prompt assessment for narrowing of the oesophagus due to strictures.
• Fevers higher than 38°C together with acute Gastro symptoms are concerning for Infections that may require prescription medication (if clinically appropriate)

If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED).

When to Consult a Doctor?

If your symptoms are severe, don't go away, or are getting worse, seek medical attention. Symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, a reduction in the passage of urine, and dizziness. Other warning signs are high fever (over 102°F or 39°C), persistent vomiting that keeps you from drinking fluids, and blood in your stool or vomit. For infants, elderly people, pregnant women, or anyone with a weakened immune system, even mild symptoms should be monitored carefully and early medical review if any concerns. If your diarrhea persists for more than three days, or if your symptoms are severe or worsening, it's best to reach out to a healthcare provider. An early assessment can help reduce the risk of dehydration or and other complications.

How Can Telehealth Help With Gastro?

A review with an online doctor or medical practitioner can be helpful to get medical advice and talk about your symptoms without having to leave your home. The doctor can tell if you can manage your condition at home or if you need to go to a medical facility. They might suggest managements like drinking rehydration solutions, changing your diet, or using over-the-counter medications, and may also prescribe medicine if needed. Telehealth also allows for follow-up appointments to check on how you're doing and to change your management if your symptoms stick around or get worse. Plus, through video consultations, get management advice, online doctor's certificates or online prescriptions. Consult with online doctors can guide you on whether further in-person care is necessary, saving time and effort.

• Telehealth consultations: Speak with a qualified online doctor or medical practitioner from the comfort of your home through secure video consultations.
• Online prescriptions: Receive scripts for your medication, without needing to visit a clinic. Also have your medicines delivered through online pharmacy delivery at your convenient time.
• Medical certificates: Obtain a valid medical certificate online (if clinically appropriate) for work or school without stepping out of your home, whether it is for same day or multiple days medical certificate.
• Doctor referrals: Access online referrals (if clinically appropriate) to specialists and diagnostic services, saving time and effort.

Some health concerns, such as severe abdominal pain or suspected infections, may require an in-person assessment, physical examination, or testing that cannot be performed via telehealth.

In Conclusion

Combining at-home relief strategies while keeping a watchful eye for high-risk scenarios for urgent medical follow-up is a sensible approach for managing gastrointestinal symptoms. While it's difficult to completely stop gastro from spreading in the household, good hygiene practices, sanitising surfaces, isolating affected individuals, and ensuring food safety can help limit its spread. Drinking plenty of fluids, observing symptoms, and taking appropriate precautions will help speed up recovery and keep your family safe during an outbreak. Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.