Gastroenteritis

Reviewed 06/2018

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Acute diarrhea and/or vomiting which typically lasts <14 days. Mild illness with vomiting is likely due to a viral etiology. Severe illness with fevers, severe dehydration, severe...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Sudden onset of diarrhea and/or vomiting
Symptoms may include:
- Crampy abdominal pain
- Fevers
- Nausea or anorexia
- Weakness or fatigue
Ask about:
- Potential exposures and travel history
- Onset, fre...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

General measures prioritize the prevention and treatment of dehydration.
Oral treatment is preferred in patients who are PO-tolerant and who have mild dehydration.
- A home- or c...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

24- to 48-hour follow-up for patients (especially young children and older adults) with mild dehydration who are released home

DIET

See “General Measures.”

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

Scallan E, Griffin PM, Angulo FJ, et al. Foodborne illness acquired in the United States—unspecified agents. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011;17(1):16–22. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

Black ...

ADDITIONAL READING

World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal disease. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs330/en/. Accessed March 14, 2018.
World Health Organization. Oral rehydration salts. http:/...

CODES

ICD10

A09 Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
K52.9 Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
K52.89 Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis
K52.1 Toxic ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Gastroenteritis is very common. Most cases are self-limited, and patients recover with supportive care.
Consider zinc supplementation during AGE, especially in children.
Probiotics may r...

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