Basic Information on Pediatric Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a very common pediatric condition described as an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Those suffering from it experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms of an upset digestive system. In children, the most common causes of gastroenteritis are bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites.

Between 3 to 5 million children in the world die every year from gastroenteritis. A large percentage comes from developing nations where healthcare and sanitation conditions are poor. Most of these children die from extreme dehydration resulting from a combination of vomiting, severe diarrhea, and not being able to drink enough fluids. Yet even in industrialized countries, millions of gastroenteritis cases are recorded each year, especially in young children.

In the U.S., there are 3 million cases of gastroenteritis cases in children recorded yearly, resulting in at least 50,000 hospitalizations and up to 40 deaths. Overall, 90 percent of children with gastroenteritis have such a mild case that they won't need to be treated by a doctor. However, there will be occasions when the condition will lead to serious dehydration and other life-threatening complications.

Call your physician immediately whenever an infant less than two months old shows symptoms of gastroenteritis. When older children start vomiting and suffering from diarrhea, call your doctor if they also show signs of dehydration, or if there is blood or pus in their stool, or bile or blood in their vomit.