Acute gastroenteritis could be more simply called a long, and potentially lethal bout of stomach flu. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, because whatever causes the condition inflames the gastrointestinal tract. Acute gastroenteritis is quite common among children, though it is certainly possible for adults to suffer from it as well. While most cases of gastroenteritis last a few days, acute gastroenteritis can last for weeks and months.

Numerous things may cause acute gastroenteritis. Bacterial infection is frequently a factor, and infection by parasites like giardia can cause acute gastroenteritis to last for several weeks. Viruses can also cause lengthy stomach flu, particularly rotaviruses and noroviruses. Accidental poisoning or exposure to toxins may also instigate acute gastroenteritis as well.

When a person does not recover from stomach flu symptoms within a day or so, it is usually a good idea to see a doctor. Some types of acute gastroenteritis will not resolve without antibiotic treatment, especially when bacteria or exposure to parasites are the cause. Physicians may want to diagnose the cause by analyzing a stool sample, when stomach symptoms remain problematic.

Another reason to seek medical treatment is that some forms of acute gastroenteritis mimic appendicitis, which may require emergency treatment. As well, young children run an especially high risk of becoming dehydrated during a long course of the stomach flu. One should receive directions regarding how to help affected kids or adults get more fluids. Sometimes children, those with compromised immune systems, and the elderly may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Dehydration can actually cause greater nausea, and can begin to cause organ shut down if not properly addressed.

Even through causes for acute gastroenteritis vary, methods of transmission from one person to another usually remain the same. Generally, contact with the fecal matter of a person with the condition and then improperly washing or not washing the hands causes acute gastroenteritis to be quite contagious. Proper handwashing for both the ill person, and well people in the family is always encouraged.

Other methods of transmission of acute gastroenteritis can include eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with bacteria or parasites. For example, poorly cooked hamburger might result in a very severe case of acute gastroenteritis due to exposure to E. coli, a sometimes lethal bacterial infection in young children. Drinking improperly treated water, or drinking from streams and lakes can expose one to giardia, which can leave one ill for many weeks, without treatment.

Acute gastroenteritis remains a serious health issue, and is responsible for over 50,000 hospitalizations of children in the US each year. In developing countries, acute gastroenteritis is the leading cause of death for infants. Acute gastroenteritis should thus be taken seriously, and people should not hesitate to seek medical treatment for especially seniors and children who have been ill for more than a day.