The management of acute gastroenteritis in adult patients involves assessing the severity and risk factors, providing appropriate rehydration, and avoiding routine use of antibiotics or antidiarrhoeal drugs. Patients who are systemically unwell, showing signs of severe dehydration, or at risk of complications should be considered for emergency hospital admission. For those managed at home, encourage regular fluid intake, including oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution for at-risk individuals, and gradually reintroduce normal diet after rehydration. Antidiarrhoeal, antiemetic, and probiotic medications are not routinely recommended, but may be used for symptom relief in mild-to-moderate cases if necessary. Emphasise good hygiene practices to prevent transmission, and advise on monitoring for dehydration symptoms.
Key References
- CKS - Gastroenteritis
- CG84 - Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis in under 5s: diagnosis and management
- Potassium chloride with sodium chloride SmPC
- Potassium chloride with rice powder, sodium chloride and sodium citrate SmPC
- Rifaximin SmPC
- Disodium hydrogen citrate with glucose, potassium chloride and sodium chloride SmPC