Acute gastroenteritis and colitis are both gastrointestinal conditions that lead to inflammation but in different parts of the stomach. While both the conditions can lead to similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhoea, these are two different digestive issues and have different sets of treatments.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ashish Kumar, Professor and Senior Consultant - Institute Of Liver Gastroenterology and Pancreatico Biliary Sciences, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, shares information about acute gastroenteritis and colitis and helps differentiate between the two.
Also Read: Kylian Mbappé Hospitalised Due To Acute Gastroenteritis: Exploring Its Causes
What Is Acute Gastroenteritis?
Acute gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is an infection that causes inflammation in the stomach. As the name suggests, 'gastro' refers to the stomach and 'enteritis' to inflammation of the intestines. Acute gastroenteritis is typically caused by an infection—viral, bacterial, or sometimes parasitic. Norovirus is the most common viral cause, accounting for 90% of epidemic diarrhoeal cases worldwide and approximately 50% of all viral gastroenteritis cases, according to StatPearls Publishing.
The main symptoms include loose, watery stools (diarrhoea), sometimes accompanied by mucus or blood. Other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and the frequent urge to pass stools, even when very little comes out.
What Is Colitis?
Colitis refers to the inflammation of the colon, or the large intestine, which may result from an infection, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), microscopic colitis, ischaemia, drugs, secondary to immune deficiency disorders, or radiation, reports StatPearls Publishing.
It presents with symptoms such as diarrhoea, but in some cases, the diarrhoea may contain more mucus or blood.
Research suggests Campylobacter jejuni is the number one bacterial cause of diarrhoeal illness worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 25 to 30 per 1,00,000 population. Specifically, C. jejuni infection can lead to a form of colitis called Campylobacter enterocolitis.
Acute Gastroenteritis Vs. Colitis: How To Distinguish Between The Two
Both acute gastroenteritis and colitis involve inflammation of the digestive tract. While gastroenteritis affects the stomach and intestines, colitis only affects the colon. Some of the key differences include:
The location of the inflammation: Gastroenteritis affects the stomach and intestines, whereas colitis only involves the colon.
Symptoms: Gastroenteritis causes nausea and vomiting, whereas people with colitis may experience bloody diarrhoea. Dr Kumar says, "Vomiting is less common in colitis compared to gastroenteritis."
Duration of illness: Colitis is more of a chronic condition.
Also Read: Cases Of Norovirus Increasing Significantly Across The United States: CDC Data Shows
How Does Treatment Differ For Acute Gastroenteritis And Colitis?
Treatments for acute gastroenteritis and colitis may also differ. This means:
Gastroenteritis:
- Usually self-limiting; resolves in 1–3 days.
- The main focus is on staying hydrated—drink plenty of fluids and oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
- Eat light, bland food.
- Medications may be given to control vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Antibiotics are rarely needed and should not be taken without a doctor’s advice.
Colitis:
- Treatment depends on the cause.
- If caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- If due to ulcerative colitis, long-term treatment and regular follow-up are needed.
- Avoid dairy, spicy food, and anything that can irritate the gut during flare-ups.
- Staying hydrated is essential due to fluid loss from diarrhoea.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Blood in stool
- High-grade fever with vomiting
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, low blood pressure)
- No improvement despite home care and symptomatic treatment
- If symptoms worsen or persist, always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Though acute gastroenteritis and colitis may seem and feel similar at first, they are quite different in how they affect your body and how they should be treated. While gastroenteritis often clears up on its own with rest and hydration, colitis may need more targeted care, especially if it’s part of a long-term condition. If you're feeling unusually unwell, noticing blood in your stool, or not getting better with home remedies, it's best to see a doctor.