Acute<unk>  and diarrhea are among the leading reasons for seeking medical care. Approximately 48 million cases occur annually in the United States, resulting in a cost of about $150 million to the U.S. health care system.<unk>  is defined as inflammation of the stomach or intestinal mucosa. Patients with<unk>  typically present with acute diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and crampy abdominal pain; the disease is defined as the passage of loose stool for at least 3 times per day for less than 14 days. It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Most cases of acute<unk>  are caused by viruses. Among the different viral causes, norovirus is the most common etiology for adults. Other common viral causes include rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus. Common bacterial causes of<unk>  include Escherichia coli sp, Salmonella sp, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Vibrio sp, which can cause watery diarrhea, and Shigella sp and Campylobacter sp, which can cause dysenteric diarrhea. Parasites may also cause<unk> , especially in developing countries. Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are the most common parasitic causes of<unk> . The first step in the management of these patients is to evaluate the hydration status and vital signs. Once the patient is stabilized, proceed to diagnostic evaluation. Practices that decrease the risk of acquiring infection include using safe water and food, avoiding unsafe foods during traveling, and hand-washing.
Gastroenteritis
Enteritis
Colitis
Duodenitis
Stomatitis
Q fever
Ileitis
Cholecystitis