Gastroenteritis: In medicine, gastroenteritis (also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu although unrelated to influenza) refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract/food pipe, involving both the stomach and the small intestine. ...

Gastroenteritis: In medicine, gastroenteritis (also known as gastro, gastric flu, and stomach flu although unrelated to influenza) refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract/food pipe, involving both the stomach and the small intestine.

The inflammation is caused by infection with certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, or less commonly adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication. Worldwide, untreated acute diarrhea due to gastroenteritis kills 5 to 8 million people per year, and is a leading cause of death in children.

About 50% of cases of gastroenteritis are due to norovirus. Another 20% of cases, and the majority of severe cases in children, are due to rotavirus. The third significant viral agent is astrovirus.