Acute gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus and is usually a self-limited illness.  It produces symptoms of varying degree, but typically begins with nausea and/or vomiting.

WATCH FOR

  1. Voiding – if the child is drinking and retaining fluids, and is urinating 3 to 5 times each 24 hours, should be adequately hydrated.
  2. Persistent localized abdominal tenderness or severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
  3. Bloody or black tarry stools should be reported to your doctor.
  4. Any of the following should be reported:
    1. listlessness
    2. sunken eyes and/or soft spot (fontanel)
    3. noticeable weight loss
    4. poor intake of liquids