Viral gastroenteritis in adults

Viral gastroenteritis is typically a self-limited condition lasting around 3-8 days, but could be up to 14 days. Frequent symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia.

Viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the US and worldwide.

Person-to-person transmission is responsible for infection in most sporadic cases. Foodborne and waterborne epidemic outbreaks have the potential to involve large numbers of people.

Mostly caused by norovirus. Rotavirus also causes symptomatic infection in older people and in immunocompromised adults.

Diagnosis is usually made clinically. Although not routinely necessary, confirmation is by polymerase chain reaction, antigen-detecting enzyme immunoassays, immunofluorescence assays, microscopy, serology, and viral culture.

Optimal management is with oral rehydration therapy for mild and moderate cases and intravenous fluids for severe cases, plus adequate nutrition. Routine use of antibiotics is not recommended and may cause harm. Antiemetics are recommended only for patients with intractable vomiting. Antidiarrheal agents are usually not required but may be used for symptomatic relief of watery diarrhea in adults.

Prevention through good hygiene is the key to controlling viral gastroenteritis.

Viral gastroenteritis is the acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines caused by enteropathogenic viruses. The typical presentation is an increased frequency of defecation lasting around 3-8 days, though could be up to 14 days, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal cramps, and fever.[1]Thielman NM, Guerrant RL. Clinical practice: acute infectious diarrhea. N Engl J Med. 2004 Jan 1;350(1):38-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14702426?tool=bestpractice.com [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus. May 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotavirus. Apr 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/index.html ​​​​ Rarely, the volume depletion is significant enough to cause hospitalization or even death. This topic covers viral gastroenteritis in adults. Also see Viral gastroenteritis in children.