What is "gastroenteritis"?

Gastroenteritis is defined as the inflammation of both the stomach and intestines, typically caused by infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. This condition can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The term itself can be broken down into "gastro-" which refers to the stomach and "enteritis" which refers to inflammation of the intestines. This precise definition underscores the acute nature of the illness and the specific areas of the gastrointestinal tract it impacts.

In contrast, other options describe different medical conditions that do not align with the definition of gastroenteritis. For example, an infection of the liver refers specifically to hepatitis rather than gastroenteritis. A disorder of the pancreas would pertain to conditions like pancreatitis, which is unrelated to inflammation in the stomach or intestines. Lastly, a bowel obstruction involves blockage in the intestine, which is a mechanical issue distinct from inflammation.