Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Common Conditions Associated With Diarrhea?

Jamie Shalkow, MD; Felipe Sarlat

August 07, 2018

Symptoms of norovirus infection include:

Nausea and vomiting (profuse, nonbloody, nonbilious)
Watery diarrhea (nonbloody)
Abdominal cramps
Headaches
Low-grade fever is common (but temperatures may be higher as well)
Myalgias and malaise

Symptoms of norovirus infection typically develop 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of contaminated food or water or after contact with an infected individual. Each episode is short-lived, lasting only 24 to 72 hours. The onset can be abrupt or gradual. Abdominal examination reveals the absence of focal tenderness and peritoneal signs. Vital signs include low-grade fever, tachycardia, and possible hypotension with volume depletion. Vomiting is more prominent compared with gastroenteritis caused by other viruses, and diarrhea is generally moderate (4 to 8 stools over a period of 24 hours). Severe manifestations typically occur in children younger than 12 months, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Asymptomatic infection is also possible.

For more on the presentation of norovirus infection, read here.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Jamie Shalkow, Felipe Sarlat. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Common Conditions Associated With Diarrhea? - Medscape - Aug 07, 2018.

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