Gastroenteritis in children

[Jessica]

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the digestive tract that results in vomiting, diarrhea, or both and is sometimes accompanied by fever or abdominal cramps.

Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection.
The infection causes a combination of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and poor appetite, which can lead to dehydration.
The child’s symptoms and history of exposure help the doctor confirm the diagnosis.
Gastroenteritis is best prevented by encouraging children and their caretakers to wash their hands and teaching them to avoid improperly stored foods and contaminated water.
Fluids and rehydrating solutions are given, but sometimes children need to see a doctor, and even to be hospitalized.

(For gastroenteritis in adults, see Gastroenteritis.)
Gastroenteritis, sometimes incorrectly called “stomach flu,” is the most common digestive disorder among children. Severe gastroenteritis causes dehydration and an imbalance of blood chemicals (electrolytes) because of a loss of body fluids in the vomit and stool.
About 3 to 5 billion episodes occur worldwide each year, most commonly in developing countries among children under 5 years of age. In developing countries where children are more vulnerable and care is often not easy to access, about 1.5 to 2.5 million children die each year from diarrhea and dehydration caused by gastroenteritis. In developed countries where children are well nourished and have access to excellent medical care (most importantly, hydrating fluids given by vein [intravenously] when needed), the consequences are not as severe. However, acute gastroenteritis is still a frequent problem in the United States. Each year, gastroenteritis is responsible for about 1.5 million doctor visits, 200,000 hospital admissions, and 100 to 300 deaths.