Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by infection.
It can be caused by both bacteria and viruses, acquired by ingesting food or water contaminated with the germ. Factors that favour its appearance: travel, lack of sanitation, nursery school attendance, immunodeficiency diseases, malnutrition and lack of breastfeeding.
It manifests with diarrhoea, vomiting and bouts of abdominal pain. Diarrhoea may contain mucus, blood or pus. It may be accompanied by fever, which in some cases lasts for more than two weeks.
Diagnosis is clinical by questioning and physical examination. Blood tests and stool examination will help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the triggering germ.
Treatment aims to ensure proper hydration and soothe abdominal pain. The usual analgesics and low sodium oral saline, with sugar if there is vomiting and a soft diet as soon as possible, will be used. Antibiotics are restricted to cases in which bacteria are isolated, there is significant dehydration, abundant blood in faeces, sustained high fever, poor general condition or previous immunodeficiency problems.
- 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
