In children, gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by viruses, particularly rotavirus.
Management involves correcting and maintaining hydration and avoiding prolonged periods of fasting.
A physical examination should exclude other diagnoses and provide some indication of the state of hydration. A baby who is seriously ill from dehydration will often continue to feed well, so do not use feeding as an indication of well-being. If stools are bloody suspect E coli 0157. An acute loss of weight is another useful pointer to the severity of the fluid loss. Stop milk and food in bottle fed babies for 24 hours.