What department should I go to for gastroenteritis?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 15, 2025
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Gastritis and gastroenteritis are commonly treated in the gastroenterology department in a clinical setting, as this department is well-equipped to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases and possesses significant clinical experience. In smaller hospitals or those without a gastroenterology department, it’s typical to visit the internal medicine department instead. However, in formal hospitals, gastroenterology is the preferred choice; if unavailable, then internal medicine should be considered. Additionally, it is essential to be fasting for examinations of gastritis and gastroenteritis, as blood tests and ultrasound scans, both requiring fasting, are needed.

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What tests are done for chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastroenteritis is a chronic inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The basic pathological change is the infiltration of a large number of neutrophils or lymphocytes in the mucosa. Examinations mainly include endoscopy and routine stool tests. Gastroscope and colonoscopy can be used to assess the extent of mucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, and routine stool tests can determine the presence of occult blood positivity. If there is blood in the stool, a routine blood test can also be conducted to check for chronic blood loss anemia. Based on the results of these examinations, the severity of the lesions can be understood, and appropriate medications can be actively chosen for symptomatic treatment.

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How to deal with acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is primarily caused by unsanitary eating habits or exposure to cold, spicy, and other irritants, leading to acute inflammation. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever, and a routine blood test may show elevated white blood cells and neutrophils. If these symptoms appear, it is advisable to visit a hospital promptly for a routine blood test. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will treat with anti-inflammatory fluids, antiemetics, antidiarrheals, etc. Generally, mild acute gastroenteritis can be cured within two to three days of treatment. However, some patients may experience severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration, electrolyte disorders, and even shock, which would extend the required treatment duration.

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How to stop diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the common diseases of the digestive system, usually prevalent in the summer and autumn seasons. It may be caused by exposure to cold or improper diet and typically presents with symptoms such as intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and sometimes fever and chills. The stool can be watery, mucous, or even bloody. As for how to stop diarrhea, it depends on the specific cause. If it is gastroenteritis caused by a virus, appropriate antiviral medications can be used in combination with antidiarrheal drugs, such as smectite powder. For bacterial enteritis, treatment primarily involves antibacterial therapy, such as cephalosporins or quinolone medications, combined with antidiarrheal drugs, which often can achieve satisfactory results. Also, a light diet should be maintained, avoiding raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How long does acute gastroenteritis take to heal?

The natural course of acute gastroenteritis is about one to two weeks, so it is recommended that patients undergo regular treatment. Acute gastroenteritis is commonly seen in clinical practice, with patients generally presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal stools. The main manifestation of stool abnormalities is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, appearing as diarrhea, with the stools being watery. Additionally, patients may experience some fever and chills. Given the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis and its short duration, it is generally considered to be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Therefore, treatment can involve the use of anti-infective medications in small doses, especially when the patient has a fever. Other medications can include acid suppressants, mucosal protectants, antidiarrheals, and those affecting the intestinal flora, so the treatment generally has a good effect. Patients need not worry too much, and we adhere to a 1-2 week treatment period. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to alleviate acute gastroenteritis

For acute gastroenteritis, the first step is to provide general treatment, which is to have the patient rest in bed as much as possible. For mild cases, oral rehydration solutions can be used to replenish lost fluids. If the patient has persistent vomiting or noticeable dehydration, they need to replenish with glucose-salt water or other relevant electrolytes. Patients should try to eat a light diet, consisting of semi-liquid foods, to prevent dehydration. Secondly, symptomatic treatment should be administered if necessary, including injections of antiemetic and antispasmodic medications, as well as antidiarrheal drugs. Thirdly, antimicrobial treatment, which is mainly targeted at infectious diarrhea, should involve the appropriate use of targeted antibiotics, but it is important to prevent their misuse.