. Certain medications and excessive alcohol can irritate the digestive tract to the point of inducing gastroenteritis. Regardless of the cause, the symptom sof gastroenteritis include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal painand cramps.Sufferers may also experience bloating, low fever, and overall tiredness. Typically, thesymptoms last only two to three days, but some viruses may last up to a week.A usual bout of gastroenteritis shouldn't require a visit to the doctor. However, medicaltreatment is essential if symptoms worsen or if there are complications. Infants, youngchildren, the elderly, and persons with underlying disease require special attention in thisregard.The greatest danger presented by gastroenteritis is dehydration. The loss of fluids throughdiarrhea and vomiting can upset the body's electrolyte balance, leading to potentially life-threatening problems such as heart beat abnormalities (arrhythmia). The risk of dehydrationincreases as symptoms are prolonged. Dehydration should be suspected if adry mouth,increased or excessive thirst, or scanty urination is experienced.If symptoms do not resolve within a week, an infection or disorder more serious thangastroenteritis may be involved. Symptoms of great concern include a high fever (102 ° F[38.9 °C] or above), blood or mucus in the diarrhea, blood in the vomit, and severe abdominal pain or swelling. These symptoms require prompt medical attention.Gastroenteritis is a self-limiting illness which will resolve by itself. However, for comfort andconvenience, a person may use over-the-counter medications such as Pepto Bismol to relievethe symptoms. These medications work by altering the ability of the intestine to move or secrete spontaneously, absorbing toxins and water, or altering intestinal microflora. Someover-the-counter medicines use more than one element to treat symptoms