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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Intestinal Flu - Gastroenteritis

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Gastroenteritis describes inflammation of the inside lining of the stomach and intestines.

What is going on in the body?

The term gastroenteritis is commonly used to describe a sudden infection that affects the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis can also be caused by chemical or toxin exposure.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Causes of this condition include:

infection. In children, infection is usually due to viruses such as the rotavirus. Bacteria such as Campylobacter are more common causes of the condition in adults.

food poisoning, usually due to toxins made by bacteria. In these cases, the bacteria often do not cause an infection. However, the toxin produced by the bacteria can get into food and make a person sick. This occurs in staphylococcal food poisoning.

exposure to chemicals or toxins. This occurs in sudden lead poisoning or puffer fish poisoning.

drug reactions from medications such as antibiotics

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