Stomach Flu (Gastroenterititis)

Causes and Risk Factors

Infectious gastroenteritis could be caused by bacteria, viruses and protozoans. Non-infectious gastroenteritis may be caused by medications, exposure to heavy metals and intolerance to milk or milk products.

Medications causing non-infectious stomach flu are:

1. Aspirin
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) (such as Motrin or Advil)
3. Antibiotics
4. Caffeine
5. Steroids
6. Laxatives

Traces of heavy metals causing non-infectious stomach flu are:

1. Arsenic
2. Lead
3. Mercury

Intolerance to lactose sugar present in milk and milk products such as cheese and ice-cream could also cause non-infectious gastroenteritis (5) & (6).

Risk Factors

Risk factors include poorly cooked food, contaminated food and water, lack of personal hygiene and sanitation. Insufficient reheating of cooked food left at room temperatures for longer durations could lead to development of staphylococcal bacteria producing toxins that could lead to gastroenteritis. People with weakened or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to gastroenteritis (5).

Generally, the following people are at an increased risk:

1. Children in day care
2. Students living in dormitories
3. Military personnel
4. Travelers (7)

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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