Which condition involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines?

• A. Gastritis
• B. Enteritis
• C. Colitis
• D. Gastroenteritis

Answer: (D)

Inflammation involving both the stomach and the intestines is described by a term built from gastr- (stomach) and enter- (intestine) with -itis (inflammation): gastroenteritis. This name shows that both parts of the gastrointestinal tract are affected, unlike gastritis (stomach only), enteritis (small intestine only), or colitis (colon). When the stomach and intestines are inflamed, you typically see symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and watery diarrhea due to disruption of normal gastric and intestinal secretions and absorption. It’s often caused by infectious agents like viruses or bacteria, and management focuses on hydration and addressing the underlying cause.