Are there any complications that may occur from gastroenteritis?
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Are there any complications that may occur from gastroenteritis?
Complications are uncommon in the UK. They include the following:
- Dehydration and salt (electrolyte) imbalance in the body. This is the most common complication. If you drink plenty of fluids then it is unlikely to occur, or is only likely to be mild and soon recover as you drink. Some people who become severely dehydrated need a 'drip' of fluid directly into the vein.
- Reactive complications. Rarely, other parts of the body 'react' to an infection that occurs in the gut. This can cause symptoms such as arthritis, skin inflammation, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis and uveitis).
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body. This is rare.
- Persistent diarrhoea syndromes may rarely develop.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis.
See a doctor if any of the following develops, or if any other symptoms occur that you are concerned about.
- If you suspect that you are dehydrating.
- Blood in the diarrhoea.
- Vomiting for more than 1-2 days, or diarrhoea that does not start to settle after 3-4 days.
- Pains that are getting worse.
- Drowsiness or confusion.
- Infections caught abroad.
Admission to hospital is sometimes needed if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop.
Other advice
If you have gastroenteritis, the following are also recommended:
- Regularly clean the toilets that you use. Wipe the flush handle and toilet seat with disinfectant (such as household bleach) after each time you use the toilet.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet. Ideally, use liquid soap in warm running water, but any soap is better than none. Dry properly after washing.
- Don't share towels and flannels.
- Do not prepare food for others.
- In general, it is often advised that people with gastroenteritis should not swim in swimming pools for two weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea.
- Stay off work, college, etc until until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Food handlers: if you work with food and develop diarrhoea or vomiting you must immediately leave the food-handling area. For most, no other measures are needed, other than staying away from work until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. Some special situations may arise. For example, if diarrhoea is due to hepatitis A infection, then you should remain off work until seven days after the onset of symptoms (that is, of jaundice or diarrhoea). Specialist advice may be needed for some uncommon causes of gastroenteritis. If in doubt, seek advice from your employer or GP.
15th June 2009
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