Gastroenteritis: Prevention and Treatment

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious conditions affecting both children and adults. A variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites can infect the intestines and lead to gastroenteritis, with viral causes being the most common. Rotavirus is a type of virus that infects the intestines and leads to the gastrointestinal symptoms characteristic of the condition. Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.

Hand-washing is an important preventive measure for both parents and children. Since rotavirus is the most important cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, infants are recommended to be vaccinated with rotavirus vaccine. RotaTeq and Rotarix are vaccines that are administered by mouth to children for prevention of infection with rotavirus. Dehydration  can occur within 6 hours of the start of the condition. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is recommended for treatment of children with diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis. Oral rehydration solution (ORS), such as Pedialyte, is an example of ORT that can be given for mild to moderate dehydration. Ondansetron (Zofran) is a prescription medication available that works in the brain to reduce the trigger to vomit and may be taken along with ORT.





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