Complications of Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

What you might not know is that this condition can sometimes trigger complications. Many of these issues will eventually go away, while others may linger. Read on to learn more.

Dehydration and Gastroenteritis

Being dehydrated is especially dangerous for small children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you have severe dehydration, you might have to go to the hospital to have fluids delivered intravenously (through an IV).

Gastroenteritis and Long-Term Stomach Problems

Most of the time, the symptoms of gastroenteritis go away when you recover from the infection that caused your illness. Yet some people have stomach issues that stick around.

Gut Changes

Postinfectious IBS

One possible complication of gastroenteritis is something called postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which means you might have ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits after the infection has passed.

Colitis and Crohn’s

Some people with gastroenteritis may develop an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease — conditions that cause inflammation of your digestive tract.

Gastroenteritis and Reactive Arthritis

What Should You Do if You Have Signs of a Complication?

See your doctor if you think you have a complication associated with gastroenteritis. Your doctor can monitor your condition to make sure it doesn’t worsen.

The Takeaway

• Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, usually lasts less than a week. But this condition can sometimes trigger complications.
• Dehydration is one common complication of gastroenteritis. Other long-term effects include the development of conditions like IBS and IBD.
• A painful condition called reactive arthritis can also occur in reaction to the stomach flu, so check with your doctor if you think you may be experiencing complications.