Acute gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus and is usually a self-limited illness. It produces symptoms of varying degree, but typically begins with nausea and/or vomiting.
WATCH FOR
- Voiding – if the child is drinking and retaining fluids, and is urinating 3 to 5 times each 24 hours, should be adequately hydrated.
- Persistent localized abdominal tenderness or severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
- Bloody or black tarry stools should be reported to your doctor.
-
Any of the following should be reported:
- listlessness
- sunken eyes and/or soft spot (fontanel)
- noticeable weight loss
- poor intake of liquids