Pediatric Gastroenteritis

What is Pediatric Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is typically a short-term (acute) illness that is triggered by infection and inflammation of the digestive system. If a child is generally healthy, they should recover fairly easily. However, if a child has a compromised (weakened) immune system, recovery from gastroenteritis may take longer.

What are the different types of Pediatric Gastroenteritis?

The main types of gastroenteritis include:

Bacterial

Bacterial type is caused by bacteria.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Gastroenteritis?

• Bloating
• Blood or pus in the stool
• Body aches
• Cramping and pain in the abdomen
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea 
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Reduced appetite

What are the causes of Pediatric Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis has a variety of potential causes, including:

• Bacteria – spread through ingesting harmful bacteria, such as by consuming contaminated food or drink
• Parasite – spread through ingesting a parasite, such as by drinking contaminated water
• Virus – spread through coming into close contact with an infected person, including  bodily fluids like saliva