Definition

1. Noun:
   • Inflammation of the stomach and intestines: A medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the stomach and the intestines. This condition typically causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The outbreak of gastroenteritis was traced to contaminated water.
  • She was hospitalized with severe gastroenteritis and dehydration.
  • Common causes of gastroenteritis include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Advanced Usage

• "Bacterial gastroenteritis": A specific type caused by bacterial infection, such as or .
  • He was diagnosed with bacterial gastroenteritis after eating undercooked poultry.
• "Viral gastroenteritis": Often called the "stomach flu," this type is caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus.
  • Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious in close quarters like schools and cruise ships.

Variants and Related Words

• Gastroenterological (adj): Pertaining to gastroenterology, the study of the digestive system.
  • He sought a gastroenterological opinion for his chronic condition.
• Gastroenterologist (n): A doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system.
  • The gastroenterologist performed an endoscopy.

Synonyms

• Stomach flu: (Informal) A common term for viral gastroenteritis.
• Enterogastritis: A less common medical term with a similar meaning.

Related Phrases

• "To contract gastroenteritis": To become infected with or develop the illness.
  • Several passengers contracted gastroenteritis during the voyage.
• "A case of gastroenteritis": An instance or occurrence of the illness.
  • The clinic reported three new cases of gastroenteritis this week.

Notes on Meaning

This term is strictly a medical noun. It refers specifically to the inflammatory condition itself and not to a general stomach ache or minor indigestion. The inflammation can affect both the stomach (gastro-) and the intestines (enteritis), distinguishing it from conditions that affect only one part of the digestive tract.

Noun

1. inflammation of the stomach and intestines; can be caused by Salmonella enteritidis