The evaluation of viral gastroenteritis begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with viral gastroenteritis may include:

• Fever
• Signs of dehydration

Signs of dehydration include:

• Pale, dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urination
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken fontanelle in infants
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure when standing
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• Excessive sleepiness

Tests may be required to exclude other conditions that cause symptoms similar to viral gastroenteritis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate viral gastroenteritis include:

• Stool culture
• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile

A stool culture can detect:

• Cholera
• Shigella infection
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Cryptosporidium enterocolitis
• Giardiasis
• Pseudomembranous colitis:
• Clostridium difficile
• Salmonella gastroenteritis
• Traveler's diarrhea due to bacterial infection
• E. coli