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Gastrointestinal Infections

Understanding 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.

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What are pediatric gastrointestinal infections?

Gastrointestinal infections are common health problems that disrupt the digestive system, leading to considerable discomfort and impacting daily routines. Gastrointestinal infections, also known as stomach or intestinal infections can have several causes such as bacteria, viruses, or parasitic infections that cause gastroenteritis. 

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Causes of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infection

Gastrointestinal infections can have viral, bacterial, or parasitic causes. Depending on the condition and cause symptoms can involve diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting, among other things.

Common bacterial infections causing gastrointestinal infections include:

  • 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.

Parasitic infections can spread easily and lead to gastrointestinal infections that lead to significant disruption of the digestive system such as:

  • Cryptosporidium is a parasite that leads to cryptosporidiosis. This parasite can be spread through contaminated food and drink, contact wtih infected animals or peopla and contaminated surfaces.
  • Giardia lamblia is a parasite that leads to giardiasis, and is primarily spread through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, direct person-to-person contact, and contact with infected animals. Infection can also be caused by bathing in water such as contaminated lakes or streams.

Common viruses causing gastrointestinal infections include:

  • 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. 
  • Hepatitis A primarily affects the liver, but it can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Risk & Prevention of Gastrointestinal Infections

These infections are widespread globally, affecting individuals of all ages but there is increased risk with:

  • Poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing
  • Consumption of contaminated food or water
  • Traveling to regions with poor sanitation
  • Living or working in close quarters with infected individuals

To reduce your risk and prevent gastrointestinal infections it is important to practice good hygiene, such as regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before handling food, after using the restroom, and after changing diapers. Ensuring food is properly cooked, stored, and handled can minimize contamination risks. Additionally, drinking safe water and avoiding raw or undercooked foods further reduces the chances of infection.

Symptoms of a Pediatric GI 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:

  • Dehydration
  • Fever & Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mucus or blood in the stool
  • Muscle aches
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

When to See a Physician for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Infection

  • 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
  • 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

If your child presents with serious symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection such as the above, contact your primary care physician or take your child to urgent care immediately.

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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