Gastrointestinal Infections
Lee Health: Helping You Understand Gastrointestinal Infections
Lee Health understands the importance of gastrointestinal health, especially in children. Our team of experts is here to diagnose and treat your child with compassionate treatment options that are tailored to their individual needs. Read more below about common gastrointestinal infections.
What are pediatric gastrointestinal infections?
Gastrointestinal infections are caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that cause gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves both the the stomach and small intestine. Depending on the condition and cause symptoms can involve diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting, among other things.
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Pediatric Primary Care
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Symptoms of a Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infection
While most GI infections usually last a few days, some can continue for as long as 14 days. Typically a key symptom is abdominal cramps and discomfort followed by diarrhea. Common symptoms include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- dehydration
- headache
- mucus or blood in the stool
- weight loss
If your child's symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days contact your child's primary care physician immediately for assistance.
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Pediatric Infectious Disease - Golisano Children's Health Center
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Pediatric Infectious Disease - HealthPark Medical Center
Causes of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infection
Gastrointestinal infections can have viral, bacterial, or parasitic causes. The most common causes of Gastrointestinal infection include:
Virus:
- Adenovirus is known to be the second most common cause of GI infections in children after rotavirus. It can cause bladder infections, rashers, and respiratory illness.
- Rotavirus is the most common viral cause of GI infections in children. This virus is spread directly from person to person or contact with an infected surface.
Bacteria:
- Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, can cause severe bacterial infections and comes from unprocessed milk, uncooked beef and food or water contaminated with feces.
- Listeria infections most commonly impact the very young, very old or the immunocompromised as well as pregnant women. Listeria can come from undercooked pork and poultry, deli meats and seafoods.
- Salmonella infection is the most common bacterial infection that causes gastroenteritis. Commonly stemming from the contamination of foods such as poultry, fresh produce, eggs and meat products, salmonella can be serious and lead to hospitalization.
Parasite:
- Giardiasis is a parasite that is spread easily through human contact or through contaminated water. Infection can be caused by drinking or bathing in water such as contaminated lakes or streams.
When to See a Physician for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infection
If your child presents with serious symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection such as the below, contact your primary care physician or take your child to urgent care immediately.
Infants:
- have been vomiting (not just normal spitting up) for more than several hours
- dry mouth
- haven’t had a wet diaper in six hours
- cries without tears
- has severe diarrhea
- has bloody stools
- is unresponsive
- is lethargic
- has a sunken soft spot on the top of their head
Children:
- appears lethargic
- is very irritable
- has bloody diarrhea
- has a fever of above 102°F (39°C)
- is experiencing a lot of discomfort or pain
- appears dehydrated
The best way to determine dehydration, is to monitor fluid intake and urination as compared to their typical amount.
In most instances, self-care such as hydration and continued monitoring are recommended for treatment. In more severe cases your Lee Health physician may recommend antibiotics for a bacterial GI infection. Once your child's physician determines the cause of your child's GI infection they will provide you with the best treatment plan for your child.
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Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Open 24 hours a day/seven days a week, our emergency department is designed specifically for children. Our pediatric-certified staff is ready to handle any condition as well as soothe anxiety and fear.