Aspects of gastroenteritis
Caused by an infection (viral or bacterial)
Spread by personal contact although it can be transmitted through food or water.
Causes fever, bloated abdomen, watery diarrhoea, aches and pains and vomiting.
May lead to dehydration in serious cases
Gastroenteritis develops when a virus or bacteria, such as norovirus, enters the digestive system. Once there it negatively interacts with organs such as the intestines, causing side effects such as diarrhoea.
This virus or bacteria can react with food which passes through the digestive tract which results in an infection.
A further reaction is where toxins are released into the digestive tract which can cause damage to the internal organs. One sign of this is an inflammation of the stomach or gastritis.
So, gastroenteritis occurs as a result of a viral or bacteria infection within the digestive system (stomach and intestines).
We hope that this helps to clear up any confusion between these two similar illnesses. But contact your GP if you are unsure.