Acute gastroenteritis

• Published in: Clinical pediatrics Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: GASTANADUY, A. S, BEGUE, R. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Glen head, NY Westminster 1999; Westminster Publications, Inc
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Children & youth; Dehydration - etiology; Dehydration - therapy; Diet; Digestive system; Fluid Therapy; Gastroenteritis - epidemiology; Gastroenteritis - etiology; Gastroenteritis - mortality; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Guidelines; Health; Humans; Medical sciences; Mortality; Nutrition Disorders - etiology; Nutrition Disorders - prevention & control; Nutrition Disorders - therapy; Other diseases. Semiology; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; Water; Human; Hydroelectrolytic balance disorder; Acute; Gastroenteritis; Nutrition disorder; Dehydration; Handbook; Prevention; Treatment; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Complication; Malnutrition; Child; Gastric disease
• ISSN: 0009-9228; 1938-2707
• DOI: 10.1177/000992289903800101

Acute gastroenteritis represents a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among children in the developing world as well as morbidity in the developed world. Despite the large number of potential etiologic agents, management of gastroenteritis is uniform and aimed to prevent the two major complications, dehydration and malnutrition. Current guidelines emphasize the use of oral rehydration and the early reintroduction of age-appropriate foods. These guidelines are reviewed here, the underlying principles discussed, and practical points provided.