Overview Gastroenteritis continues to cause significant morbidity in developed and developing countries. The most common cause are viral and bacterial including:
Definition Diarrhoea: Loose, water like stools that occur with increased frequency and an increased volume of >200g per day Gastroenteritis: >3 or more loose stools per day for <14 days Chronic Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea that continue for more than 2 weeks Malabsorption: Defined as the failure to absorb nutrients Toddlers Diarrhoea: Clinical syndrome characterised by chronic diarrhoea often with undigested food in the stools of a child who is otherwise well, gaining weight and growing satisfactorily. |
Gastroenteritis is usually self-resolving. Parasitic infection are uncommon but can be dangerous.
Clinical Triad of Gastroenteritis: fever, vomiting, diarrhoea |
It is important to assess state of dehydration because this will tailor treatment. Dehydration can be either mild, moderate or severe.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Side note Most bacterial causes of diarrhoea are self-limiting and do not usually require antibiotic therapy. |
Parasitic Gastroenteritis
Watch Video Giardia Lamblia |
Watch Video Pin Worms - Enterobius Vermicularis |
Diagnosis
Complication
Watch Video Gastroenteritis (Paediatric) - Overview |