title: Infectious gastroenteritis in infants and children.
abstract: Infectious gastroenteritis is a frequent recurring illness in young children. It is caused by a viral agent in 70 to 80% of cases. Bacteria, parasites, and toxins account for the remaining 20 to 30%. A careful history and complete physical examination are the first steps to diagnosing acute gastroenteritis and establishing a treatment plan. The majority of infants and children with infectious gastroenteritis are successfully managed at home. The care of these children focuses on accurately assessing hydration status, maintaining adequate hydration and caloric intake to promote recovery, educating the family about the infection and the treatment plan, and preventing the spread of the infection.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buzby
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009730:Nursing Assessment