It is an inflammation of the inner layer or mucosa of the intestine caused by an infection.
It is usually caused by a virus (norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus and astrovirus) although it can be bacterial or parasitic. The germs are contracted after ingesting contaminated food or water.
It manifests with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, malaise, fever and chills.
Diagnosis is made by questioning and physical examination; blood and stool tests may be necessary to study the severity and causative agent of the clinical picture.
It is usually a self-limiting disease with no need for treatment. If necessary, symptomatic treatment should be carried out and proper hydration should be ensured. Antiemetics may be added for vomiting.
- David O Matson. Acute viral gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Clinical features and diagnosis. UpToDate. Agosto 2016
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Diarrhoea and vomiting in children: Diarrhoea and vomiting caused by gastroenteritis: diagnosis, assessment and management in children younger than 5 years.
- David O Matson. Acute viral gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention. UpToDate. Abril 2016
- King CK, Glass R, Bresee JS, et al. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy. MMWR Recomm Rep 2003; 52:1.
- Umesh D. Parashar. Gastroenteritis viral. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 227
