Gastroenteritis primarily affects the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the "stomach flu" (though it's not caused by the influenza virus), is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract lining. This inflammation impacts the normal functioning of the digestive organs:
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Stomach: The stomach is the first major organ affected. Gastroenteritis disrupts its ability to properly digest food, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
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Small Intestine: The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs. Inflammation here impairs this process, contributing to diarrhea and malabsorption issues.
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Large Intestine: The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and forming stool. When inflamed, it can lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
In essence, gastroenteritis disrupts the entire digestive process because it inflames the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
