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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Explainer: Difference between gastroenteritis and diarrhea

Explainer: Difference between gastroenteritis and diarrhea

Published Jan 15, 2024 02:05 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Jan. 15, explained the difference between “diarrhea” and “gastroenteritis” amid the outbreak in Baguio City. 

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(Photo from Pexels)

DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Eric Tayag, in a radio interview, provided insights into the distinctions between these two.

Diarrhea, he explained, serves as a symptom. Gastroenteritis, also recognized as infectious diarrhea, can stem from viral or bacterial origins.

Addressing treatment approaches, Tayag underscored that bacterial infections may necessitate antibiotics, whereas oral rehydration stands as the primary course of action for viral infections.

In the context of the recent diarrhea outbreak in Baguio City, Tayag emphasized the role of person-to-person contact and inadequate hand hygiene in facilitating the virus' spread. 

He advocated for vigilant handwashing practices, particularly after restroom use and before food handling. 

Immediate cleanup of vomited material is also stressed to curb the disease's further dissemination.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo also explained that Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) requires a medical diagnosis by a physician. 

On the other hand, diarrhea is characterized by loose and watery stools. Domingo said it is also identified as one of the symptoms of AGE, accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

Depending on the symptoms of gastroenteritis, Domingo said the treatment may vary. 

“For example, if the symptom is diarrhea, there may be antidiarrheal agents, in addition to hydration, that a doctor will prescribe for treatment,” he explained. 

Prevention of gastroenteritis, he said, includes hygiene and safe water.

Domingo stressed that prevention is "meant to stop the disease process from starting or progressing" while control refers to "efforts to stop the spread or added disease burden."

DIARRHEA

Mode of Transmission
- Ingestion of contaminated food and water.

Signs and Symptoms
- Passage of watery stools at least 3x a day.
- Excessive thirst.
- Sunken eyeballs and fontanel.

Immediate Treatment:
- Give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL), and rice soup (am) to replace lost body fluid.
- Continue feeding.

Prevention and Control:
- Drink water only from safe sources. If unsure, boil water for 3 minutes or do water chlorination.
- Eat only foods that are well-cooked and properly prepared. Avoid eating “street vended food.”
- Keep the food away from insects and rats by covering them using food cover.
- Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating or cooking.
- Use the toilet when defecating.
- Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.

GASTROENTERITIS 

Mode of Transmission:
- Ingestion of contaminated food and water. 
- Spreads through person-to-person contact

Signs and Symptoms:
- Passage of 3 or more loose, watery, or bloody stools within 24 hours
- May be accompanied by any of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever

Immediate Treatment:
- Antidiarrheal agents 
- Antibiotics 
- Fluids for hydration

Prevention and Control:
- Hand Hygiene and hand hygiene promotion
- Water safety interventions such as access to clean and safe drinking water. 
- Proper food handling
- Proper Excreta Disposal

SOURCES: 
Department of Health (DOH)
Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Acute Infectious Diarrhea in Children and Adults: Reference Manual 

Related Tags

diarrhea gastroenteritis DOH
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