clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
The presenting symptoms include poor feeding, vomiting and fever, which may be followed by diarrhoea. Often the stools are watery and frequent - 10 to 20 times per day - and of large volume in viral diarrhoea. The presentation of blood, mucus and frequent small motions is suggestive of a bacterial cause.
As the condition progresses there is increasing anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea. The infant becomes lethargic and there may be signs of dehydration with a possible accompanying acidosis.
clinical assessment of child with gastroenteritis
clinical features suggestive of hypernatraemic dehydration
diarrhoea and vomiting in infants and children
symptoms and signs of clinical dehydration related to childhood gastroenteritis