Inadequate measures in ensuring the cleanliness of food that we eat and the water that we drink makes us vulnerable to problems of the digestive tract. Cleanliness is a must in areas where food is kept and stored. This relates not just to the kitchens in homes but also to the cafeterias in schools. It is for the parents to ensure that children keep themselves clean and wash their hands before they eat. These simple measures can go a long way in protecting against the infections that are troublesome and painful.

Mercury, lead and arsenic are metals that may enter the body through drinking water in case the water is not treated for heavy metals prior to drinking. The metals in the water irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This manifests itself in the form of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration and fever.

Antibiotics are meant to treat people in case of infections. The drugs so taken sometimes lead to side effects. Diarrhea and irritability of the gastrointestinal tract are common in such a case. Aspirin is a case in point. The intake of steroids, as is rampant in case of aspiring athletes, can lead to gastroenteritis. This may also happen as and when a major change is made to the dosage. Stimulants meant to relax the body may also result in a problem with the gastrointestinal tract. Even caffeine taken in large amounts can turn harmful. This kind of gastroenteritis is not infectious.

Water contaminated with bacteria, parasites and protozoans leads to problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Not just drinking this water but swimming also exposes people to the risk of diarrhea and intestinal problems. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are parasites that may take a toll on the digestive system of people. Children and old people are more susceptible owing to lower immunity against diseases. Bacterial and viral infections are the major causes of gastroenteritis as compared to protozoans and parasites but this should not allow for a lax attitude towards the risk these pose.

Nearly one third of the gastroenteritis cases reported among children are attributed to astrovirus, adenovirus, calicivirus, rotavirus and norovirus. It is quite likely that children studying in the same school get the infection from each other. Proper sanitation facilities and general cleanliness of students can prevent the disease from spreading. Norovirus is often found to be the culprit behind the outbreak of gastroenteritis. More than 20 million cases of acute gastroenteritis as reported annually are a result of inflammation caused by norovirus.

Travelers are not always able to ensure that the quality of food that they take meets the mark. Food contaminated with the bacteria Escherchia coli, other viruses or parasites leads to diarrhea and abdominal pain. Medication and intake of liquids in appropriate amounts brings quick relief.

Inadequate amount of lactase enzyme for assimilation of lactose from dairy products leads to lactose intolerance in people. This enzyme assists the process for conversion of lactose into glucose and galactose. As the milk products are not digested properly in the body, the condition manifests itself in the form of diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Poultry animals and turtles may carry the bacteria Salmonella. Inadequate measures while handling these animals exposes human beings to the risk of getting gastroenteritis. Due care in the way one handles these animals and measures that ensure cleanliness are the precautions that are called for.

Campylobacter is a bacteria that may be present in meat. Inadequately cooked meat or sea food carries traces of the bacteria and the toxins produced by these bacteria. Even unpasteurized milk carries this bacteria. Intake of foodstuffs contaminated by this bacteria leads to inflammation of the stomach and the small intestine.