Gastroenteritis
Aetiology
VIRAL INFECTION
Clinical Features
GENERAL
VIRAL INFECTION
BACTERIAL INFECTION
Investigations
Management
Source
www.rch,org.au
Toronto Notes 2012
VIRAL INFECTION
- Most common cause of gastroenteritis
Clinical Features
GENERAL
- Infectious gastroenteritis causes diarrhoea with or without vomiting (non-bilious) or cramping abdominal pain
VIRAL INFECTION
- Resolves in 3-7 d
- Slight fever, malaise, vomiting, vague abdominal pain
BACTERIAL INFECTION
- Clinical features: severe abdominal pain, high fever, bloody diarrhoea
- Risk factors: travel, poorly cooked meat, poorly refrigerated foods, prolonged antibiotics
Investigations
- History and physical examination critical to determine degree of dehydration
- Usually no other investigations are required
- If severe,
- FBC, UEC, BSL, Stool MCS, urine MCS
Management
- Oral rehydration therapy with frequent small volumes of paediatric rehydration solutions (refer to here for fluid therapy guidelines)
- IV fluids may be required
- Early refeeding advisable, start with small amounts of easily digested carbohydrates, postpone dairy and fibrous vegetables
- Antibiotic therapy when indicated
- Antidiarrheal medications NOT indicated
Source
www.rch,org.au
Toronto Notes 2012