[26] Viral Gastroenteritis Flashcards

1
Q

What is viral gastroenteritis?

A

An intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, cramps, and vomiting

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2
Q

Are viral gastroenteritis epidemics frequent?

A

Yes, usually during winter

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3
Q

How is viral gastroenteritis transmitted?

A

By the faecal-oral route, including contaminated water

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4
Q

What are the risk factors for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Malnourishment

- Immunocompromisation

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5
Q

Why is malnourishment important in gastroenteritis?

A

The severity is worse

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6
Q

What is the relationship between breastfeeding and viral gastroenteritis?

A

Breastfeeding is protective

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7
Q

How does viral gastroenteritis present?

A
  • Watery diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Cramping abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte disturbance
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8
Q

How long do the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis last?

A

Generally <7 days

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9
Q

When might the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis last more than 7 days?

A

In enteric adenovirus, when diarrhoea frequently goes on for more than 14 days

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10
Q

What are the causative organisms for viral gastroenteritis? (Sorry i forgot to do this one where its menna go)

A
  • Rotavirus
  • Small round structural virus
  • Enteric adenovirus
  • Astrovirus
  • CMV
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11
Q

Give an example of a small round structural virus causing viral gastroenteritis

A

‘Norwalk agent’, causing winter vomiting disease

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12
Q

What is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis?

A

Rotavirus

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13
Q

What investigations are done in viral gastroenteritis?

A

Investigation is rarely necessary, but stool electron microscopy or immunoassay can sometimes be helpful

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14
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Systemic infections
  • Local infections
  • Surgical disorders
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Renal disorders
  • Other
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Bacterial gastroenteritis
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15
Q

What systemic infections are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Sepsis

- Meningitis

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16
Q

What local infections are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Otitis media
  • Hepatitis A
  • Urinary tract infections
17
Q

What surgical disorders are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Pyloric stenosis
  • Intussception
  • Acute appendicitis
  • Necrotising enterocolitis
  • Hirschsprung disease
18
Q

What metabolic disorders are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A

Diabetic ketoacidosis

19
Q

What renal disorders are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

20
Q

What other disorders are differentials for viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Coeliac disease
  • Cow’s milk protein allergy
  • Lactose intolerance
21
Q

What is the management for viral gastroenteritis?

A

Give supportive rehydration

22
Q

What are the options for provision or supportive rehydration in viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Oral
  • NG tube
  • IV glucose and electrolyte solution
23
Q

Is hospitalisation needed in viral gastroenteritis?

A

Rarely

24
Q

What are the indications for hospitalisation in viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • > 10% dehydration

- Unable to tolerate oral fluids

25
Q

Is there a rotavirus immunisation?

A

Yes, it is available and effective, but not part of UK immunisation schedule

26
Q

What are the complications of viral gastroenteritis?

A
  • Dehydration

- Secondary lactose intolerance