Gastroenteritis is the medical term for infections causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis.

Many infections of the digestive tract are lumped under the term gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as "stomach flu."

Most cases of gastroenteritis are caused by viruses, although the upset also may be caused by toxic substances, antibiotics or other drugs that alter the natural bacterial population of the lower gastrointestinal tract, or a...