Gastroenteritis as the name implies this is an infection anywhere between the mouth to anus, with varying degrees of inflammation and dysfunction at all levels.
While we vaccinate early, Rotavirus is on the wane, but there are still many viral (adeno, ECHO virus etc.) that are contagious and person – person, acquired.
Bacterial enteritis often with bloody diarrhoea: E Coli, Shigella, Cholera, campylobacter, salmonella and staphylococcal toxin – often acquired from contaminated foodstuffs.
Parasites can also cause acute, or more often lingering chronic diarrhoea. – Giardia, Isospora, Cryptosporidium, amoebic.
The principles remain the same, avoid/prevent vomiting and ensure replacement of lower GIT losses orally. If this fails, then intravenous therapy is often required.
Critical tools:
- Ondansetron safe anti-nausea/vomiting
- Rehydration solutions
- Bum protection
- Pain meds
