management

Last reviewed 06/2021

The mainstay of treatment is the maintenance of adequate hydration.

  • rehydration: generally using oral fluids containing electrolytes and glucose. Intravenous fluid replacement may be indicated in patients with persistent vomiting.
  • generally there is no restriction of food intake. Note that temporary milk intolerance may occur due to secondary lactase deficiency.
  • antidiarrhoeal drugs: may be useful in controlling symptoms but should be avoided if moderate to severe diarrhoea because of the danger of prolonging infection.
  • antibiotics: specific to particular infective organisms.