Pediatric Gastroenteritis Follow-up
- Author: Randy P Prescilla, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD more...
Transfer
Transfer by emergency medical service unit any patient with gastroenteritis who has moderate-to-severe dehydration to the nearest emergency department for intravenous rehydration.
Deterrence/Prevention
Rotavirus vaccines: Currently, 2 rotavirus vaccines are approved in the United States (ie, RotaTeq [Merck & Co, Inc] and Rotarix [GlaxoSmithKline]). See Medication.
Prognosis
Prognosis is excellent because gastroenteritis is usually self-limited.
Children usually improve after an intravenous bolus.
Patients who receive oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) gradually improve.
Patient Education
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Esophagus, Stomach, and Intestine Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article, Gastroenteritis.
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