Acute Gastroenteritis


Acute gastroenteritis in children results from the acute inflammation of the intestines and the stomach. Inflammation could be caused by viral, bacterial, or sometimes parasitic infection.

Understanding Acute Gastroenteritis


Acute gastroenteritis in children is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or sometimes parasitic infection. It starts as severe stomach pain and proceeds to diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The main treatment involves medicine, oral rehydration. If the child is breastfeeding then it should be continued. In mild cases it resolves by itself within a few days.

Understanding the symptoms of Acute Gastroenteritis


The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis occur suddenly and they could be mild to severe. The symptoms last from 1–3 days to up to 10 days depending on the reason for gastroenteritis. The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are as follows :-
  1. Diarrhea
    The child suffers from frequent, loose stools. The stools will be foul-smelling, greenish in colour, foul smell or contain mucus. If the infection is quite severe the stools may contain blood as well.
  2. Vomiting
    Repetitive or forceful vomiting is the first symptom if there is a viral attack. The child significantly loses fluid and electrolytes making them weak and dehydrated. Vomiting is preceded by nausea. The child refuses to eat due to loss of appetite.
  3. Fever
    The child has low to moderate fever around 39°C or 102.2°F. If there is a bacterial attack the child suffers from high fevers. Along with fever there will be chills, fatigue, and body aches
  4. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
    There will be cramps in the stomach or lower abdomen. The pain will be mild to severe and the child finds relief after passing stool.
  5. Dehydration
    Dehydration is a serious complication in children. Their mouth and tongue dries up. The most visible symptom of dehydration are sunken eyes. The urination is less and the child is irritable.
    The skin is mottled.
    Excessive dehydration leads to difficulty in breathing and increased heart beat.
  6. General Weakness or Malaise
    Due to loss of necessary electrolytes the child will have low energy and will be unusually sleepy or inactive.
  7. Other symptoms
    Headaches and body pains
    Chills
    If the problem happens repeatedly or prolongs for a long time the child loses weight.

Symptoms within a day or two after getting exposed to the virus or bacteria. The child should be hydrated.
For expert newborn and pediatric care, and treatments for acute gastroenteritis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

When should the child be immediately treated for acute gastroenteritis?


Immediate medical attention to a child with acute gastroenteritis should be given if they exhibit any of the below symptoms:-
  1. Severe Dehydration
    The mouth and tongue are very dry
    Even when the kid is crying there are no tears
    The eyes are sunken or there is a soft spot on infant’s head)
    The hands and feet become cold.
    Unresponsive child due to extreme dehydration
    Very less urine or the diaper does not become wet even after 6–8 hours
  2. Non stop or uncontrolled vomiting
    If the child starts to vomit fluid intake as well.
    If vomiting is followed by dehydration
  3. Blood in stools
    If the stools contain blood which means there is a serious bacterial infection which needs medical intervention.
  4. High Fever
    Infants upto 6 months of age with any fever whether it is low grade or high grade.
    For a child of any age of the fever is not coming down or has a high fever
  5. Severe Abdominal Pain
    Sharp persistent pain and the child is rolling over and growling with pain.

But even if the child doesn’t have any of the above symptoms still careful monitoring is essential. The symptoms could become serious very quickly.
For expert newborn and pediatric care, and treatments for acute gastroenteritis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes for acute gastroenteritis in children?


Acute gastroenteritis is caused by viruses and bacteria attacking the stomach and intestines. Detailed analysis of causes of acute gastroenteritis are:

1. Virus


Viruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children
  • Rotavirus – This virus mostly affects children in less than two years.
  • Norovirus- Affects children of all age groups
  • Adenovirus- Causes both respiratory and prolonged diarrhea in young children.
  • Astrovirus- Causes a milder gastroenteritis in children of all age groups.

2. Bacterial Causes


Bacterial gastroenteritis tends to be more severe and is more likely to cause bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
  • Salmonella bacteria caused by undercooked eggs or poultry
  • Shigella bacteria and the sources are human to human, or contaminated water.
  • Campylobacter bacteria from undercooked meat, and water
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from beef, improperly cooked raw vegetables.

3. Parasitic Causes


Though not common parasites are also a prominent cause of gastroenteritis
  • Parasite Giardia lamblia leads to foul-smelling and greasy stools. Water is the source of these parasites.
  • Cryptosporidium spreads through water and causes long term diarrhea.

4. Non-Infectious Causes


Non infectious reasons could be due to irregular eating habits and allergies such as :-
  • Food poisoning
  • Food intolerances especially lactose intolerance
  • Diarrhea due to medication such as antibiotics.
  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Appendicitis must be ruled out especially when the child has severe abdominal pain

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and treatments for acute gastroenteritis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments available for acute gastroenteritis?


Dr.Swathy Talishetty focuses on rehydration,managing symptoms and supportive care. Most cases are viral, so antibiotics are rarely needed.

1. Rehydration

  • Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is the first line of treatment for acute gastroenteritis. The recommended oral supplements are Pedialyte, Rehydralyte, WHO-ORS, etc.
  • For every 5–10 minutes small sips should be given. Even if the child is vomiting they should be given.
  • Do not give juices, soda, or plain water since they aggravate dehydration.
  • IV Fluids are required if the child has extreme dehydration or is unable to tolerate ORS due to vomiting.

2. Nutritional Support

  • Continue breast feeding even during and after rehydration.
  • Do not give high fat or high sugar foods since they will irritate the stomach even more.

3. Medications

  • Zinc Supplements for children under 5
  • Antiemetics for severe vomiting.
  • Antibiotics are helpful in non viral cases.

4. Supportive & Preventive Measures

  • Encourage children to constantly wash their hands. They should wash hands before/after eating and also after using the bathroom.
  • Make sure that the drinking water or any other water used is safe and free of contamination.
  • Be up to date with your child’s vaccinations especially for rotavirus.

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and treatments for acute gastroenteritis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert newborn and pediatric care, and treatments for acute gastroenteritis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!

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