children s health issues
Gastroenteritis in Children
Introduction
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the digestive tract that results in vomiting, diarrhea, or both and is sometimes accompanied by fever or abdominal cramps. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. The infection causes a combination of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and poor appetite, which can lead to dehydration. The child’s symptoms and history of exposure help the doctor confirm the diagnosis. Gastroenteritis is best prevented by encouraging children and their caretakers to wash their hands and teaching them to avoid improperly stored foods and contaminated water. Fluids and rehydrating solutions are given, but sometimes children need to see a doctor, and some need to be hospitalized. (For gastroenteritis in adults, see Overview of Gastroenteritis .) Gastroenteritis, sometimes incorrectly called “stomach flu,” is the most common gastrointestinal disorder among children. Severe gastroenteritis causes Dehydration in Children and an imbalance of blood chemicals ( About 3 to 5 billion episodes occur worldwide each year, most commonly in children under 5 years of age who live in countries where children are more vulnerable and care is often not easy to access. Worldwide, about 500,000 children under age 5 years die each year of diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis. In countries where children are well nourished and have access to excellent medical care (most importantly, hydrating fluids given by vein [intravenously] when needed), the consequences are not as severe. However, acute gastroenteritis is still a frequent problem in the United States. Each year in the United States, gastroenteritis causes about 1.5 million doctor visits, 200,000 hospital admissions, and 300 deaths in children. 