Symptoms
The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis in children include:
- Diarrhea: This is the most common symptom of gastroenteritis and can be severe, leading to frequent watery bowel movements.
- Vomiting: Children with gastroenteritis may also experience nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach cramps: Children may have abdominal pain and cramping.
- Fever: A low-grade fever may be present
- Dehydration: Children may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, and decreased urine output
Causes
Gastroenteritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral or bacterial infections: The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a viral infection, such as norovirus or rotavirus. Bacterial infections, such as salmonella or E. coli, can also cause gastroenteritis.
- Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to food poisoning, which can cause symptoms of gastroenteritis.
- Certain medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.