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Pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)

Gastroenteritis (gas·​tro·​en·​ter·​i·​tis) or the stomache flu is common in children and teens. At Children's Health℠, our expert gastroenterologists treat the common and rare infections that cause gastroenteritis. Our goal is to stop a child’s symptoms and get them back to their daily activities. Our dedication to your child’s digestive health has earned us recognition as a top pediatric specialty by U.S. News and World Report.

Overview

What is pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)?

Gastroenteritis, also called the stomach flu, is caused by an infection in your child’s digestive system. They may have diarrhea or vomiting, which helps clear the infection from their body.

Healthy children generally recover quickly. However, it can take longer for a child with a weakened immune system to feel better. The longer a child is sick, the higher their risk of dehydration becomes.

Types

What are the different types of pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)?

  • Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus like norovirus. It’s the most common kind of gastroenteritis.

  • Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, like E. coli.

  • Parasitic gastroenteritis is caused by a parasite like giardia. It is uncommon in areas with clean water and food.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)?

Diagnosis

How is pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu) diagnosed?

Usually, your doctor can diagnose gastroenteritis by hearing about your child’s symptoms. However, if your child has blood or pus in their stool, your child’s doctor may want to do a stool test to determine what type of bacteria, virus or parasite they have.

Causes

What causes pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu)?

Gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. Your child may come into contact with these by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water or touching the saliva of an infected person.

Treatment

How is pediatric gastroenteritis (stomache flu) treated?

Typically, gastroenteritis doesn’t need medical treatment. Your child should stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. You can use over-the-counter medicines to fight fever.

If your child is dehydrated, they may need IV fluids at the hospital. If they are very tired, not drinking and not peeing, then you should take them to the emergency room for care.

You should also call your pediatrician or take your child for medical care if they:

  • Have blood or pus in their stool

  • Vomit for more than 24 hours

  • Have a high fever:

    • above 100.4℉ in babies younger than 3 months

    • above 102.2℉ for kids 3 months or older

Doctors and Providers

Frequently Asked Questions