Gastroenteritis causes symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea along with acute stomachache
Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital after he was admitted for a severe bout of gastroenteritis, Real Madrid has said. The French skipper was due to play against Al Hilal, which he missed along with his training in Miami, in the United States, due to the infection, which is also known as stomach flu. “Our player Kylian Mbappe has acute gastroenteritis and has been hospitalised for various tests and treatment,” Real said in a statement.
According to doctors, gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach, commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, and results from parasites or non-infectious irritants. While usually mild and self-limiting, gastroenteritis causes dehydration and requires medical attention.
While it is not known how the 21-year-old contracted the infection, Real Madrid informed Mbappe would continue with his treatment. "Mbappe will continue with specific medical treatment and will gradually return to team activity."
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of your stomach and intestine—which makes the organs feel swollen and sore. It causes many life-threatening symptoms like diarrhoea and nausea, along with severe stomachaches.
Experts say gastroenteritis happens when you get an infection in your gastrointestinal or GI tract. Bacteria and viruses can lead to food poisoning and stomach flu infections, apart from chemical preservatives. According to doctors, just about everyone gets gastroenteritis – likely more than once. Most of the time, it is not. But in more vulnerable populations – like those with low immunity, mostly the elderly and children - it can be. Around the world, gastroenteritis is a leading cause of death.
What are the signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis symptoms often come suddenly. Doctors say the first symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting many times in a short time. Also, as the day goes on, you may or may not begin to experience what are called systemic symptoms that affect the rest of your body. These may include fever, chills, and body aches.
Symptoms also involve your intestines, along with those in your stomach. A few early signs include:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Body aches
Doctors say the most common types of gastroenteritis only last a day or two, and your body can overcome most bacterial and viral infections by itself. However, some types may last longer or need treatment to go away.
What causes gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis happens when your immune system activates to defend your stomach and intestines from harm. It sends inflammatory cells to help fight infections and repair injured tissues. It is usually a temporary response to a temporary threat or injury and takes a short time to work, and then the inflammation goes away.
Doctors say a longer-lasting or persistent gastroenteritis is unusual.
According to experts, infectious gastroenteritis is caused by an infection in your gastrointestinal tract, due to:
- Viruses, which cause at least 60 per cent of all gastroenteritis cases. Norovirus alone accounts for 50 per cent of all viral gastroenteritis cases.
- Bacterial infections lead to bacterial gastroenteritis from bacteria like Campylobacter and Clostridioides difficile.
- Fungal infections can cause fungal gastroenteritis due to candidiasis and aspergillosis.
- Chemicals can injure and inflame the lining of your stomach and intestines. Some chemicals do this even in small amounts. Others, like alcohol and certain medications, can cause gastroenteritis in larger doses.
