Gastroenteritis – Emergency management in children

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Key points

  • Gastroenteritis is usually characterised by a sudden onset of diarrhoea, with or without vomiting, fever or abdominal pain
  • Management is primarily aimed at rehydration or prevention of dehydration.
  • Where possible, enteral methods of fluid administration are preferable to intravenous (IV).
  • Oral rehydration is effective in the majority of cases.

Purpose

This document provides clinical guidance for all staff involved in the care and management of a child presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) with gastroenteritis in Queensland.

This guideline has been developed by senior ED clinicians and Paediatricians across Queensland and endorsed for statewide use by the Queensland Emergency Care of Children Working Group in partnership with the Queensland Emergency Department Strategic Advisory Panel and the Healthcare Improvement Unit, Clinical Excellence Queensland.

Introduction

Acute gastroenteritis accounts for approximately 6.3% of emergency presentations in Australia and New Zealand.1 It is usually characterised by a sudden onset of diarrhoea (loose or liquid stools that occur more frequently than usual), with or without vomiting, fever or abdominal pain.2 There is often a history of contact with another person with similar symptoms.

Viral pathogens including norovirus are responsible for approximately 70% of episodes of acute infectious diarrhoea in children.3,4,5 Bacterial infections (most commonly Campylobacter and Salmonella) account for approximately 15% of episodes.3,4

Dehydration can occur secondary to gastroenteritis. While untreated or poorly treated dehydration may be fatal, there are also risks associated with over-hydration and/or inappropriate electrolyte replacement, which can result in death from cerebral oedema.6

Hypernatraemia is a complication of gastroenteritis most commonly seen in infants less than one year of age, particularly those who have been given inappropriately concentrated formula or hyperosmolar home-made rehydration solutions, or in children who are unable to express the feeling of thirst and self-regulate fluid intake.7

Assessment

The purpose of the assessment (history-taking and physical examination) is to:

  • confirm the diagnosis of gastroenteritis
  • understand extent of/potential for dehydration

History

History should include specific information on:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms
    • date/time of onset
    • frequency of stools
    • presence of blood in stools
    • frequency of vomiting
    • features of vomitus; in particular contents and colour such bile stained (forest green in colour)
    • location and severity of abdominal pain
  • other symptoms including fever, rash, headache
  • intake (diet and fluids with amounts taken)
  • urine output
  • previous medical history
  • known illness in contacts
    • unwell family members at home
    • daycare or school attendance
  • travel history

Examination

The aim of the physical examination is to assess hydration level, identify comorbidities and exclude other non-infectious causes of vomiting/diarrhoea. A careful assessment of conscious state and abdominal examination is required.

Risk factors for dehydration

  • age less than one year, particularly pre-term infants and those less than six months
  • infants with low birth weight and failure to thrive
  • greater than five diarrhoeal stools in last 24 hours, especially in infants
  • stopped breast feeding during illness
  • signs of malnutrition
  • immunocompromised
  • underlying chronic medical conditions

Hydration status

In the absence of the ability to accurately measure weight loss, a combination of clinical signs and symptoms are used to estimate the degree of dehydration.

Recognising the severity of dehydration (especially mild to moderate) can be challenging as parental report of vomiting, diarrhoea, and oral intake is unreliable6 and clinical signs can be imprecise and incorrect.3,8,9

Consider seeking senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice if uncertain of hydration status.

Seek senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice for a child in shock.

Hydration assessment
AssessmentNone Clinical dehydration
(5-10% fluid loss)		 Clinical shock
(over 10% fluid loss)
Level of consciousness Alert and responsive Altered responsiveness Decreased level of consciousness
Skin colour Skin colour unchanged Skin colour unchanged Pale or mottled skin
Extremities Warm extremities Warm extremities Cold extremities
Eyes Eyes not sunken Sunken eyes Sunken eyes
Mucous membranes Moist mucous membranes Dry mucous membranes Dry mucous membranes
Heart rate HR normal HR normal Increased HR
Breathing RR normal Increased RR Increased RR
Peripheral pulses Peripheral pulses normal Normal peripheral pulses Weak peripheral pulses
Capillary refill Capillary refill normal Capillary refill normal Prolong capillary refill (greater than 2 seconds)
Skin turgor Skin turgor normal Decreased skin turgor Decreased skin turgor
Blood pressure BP normal BP normal Decreased BP (decompensated shock)
  • More numerous/pronounced symptoms and signs indicate greater severity.
  • For clinical shock, one or more of the symptoms or signs will be present.
  • If in doubt, manage as if dehydration falls into the more severe category.

Differential diagnoses

Differential diagnoses for child presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms
Surgical conditions Appendicitis, intussusception, bowel obstruction, malrotation with volvulus, strangulated hernia, testicular torsion
Non-enteric infectionsSepsis, UTI, meningitis, pneumonia, otitis media, toxic shock syndrome, endemic infection in returned traveller, other focal infections
Metabolic diseaseDKA and inborn errors of metabolism
Other Haemolytic uremic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, raised ICP, foreign body ingestion
Red flags to suggest an alternative diagnosis
  • severe or localised abdominal pain
  • abdominal distension
  • isolated vomiting
  • bilious (green) vomit
  • blood in stool or vomit
  • child appears very unwell or is very drowsy
  • high grade fever – over 39°C or 38.5°C if aged less than three months
  • headache
  • rash
  • previous GI/surgical history or complex medical history
  • representation
  • failure to respond to standard therapy
  • returned traveller

The very young infant and the malnourished child are more likely to have another diagnosis.

Consider seeking senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice if red flags are identified on assessment.

Investigations

Most patients with gastroenteritis do not require any investigations and tests to differentiate between bacterial and viral aetiology are not recommended as they will not influence management.

If there is clinical suspicion for Salmonella (for example bloody stools or a close contact), a stool sample should be collected. Dependent on the age of the patient, further investigations may also be required and clinicians should refer to the Salmonella guideline [PDF 239.91 KB].

Those who have returned from overseas should have investigations to exclude diseases endemic in the region of travel. Consider discussion with Infectious Diseases in such cases.

Other investigations may be considered based on possible alternative diagnoses.

Investigations that may be considered for children with gastroenteritis
Investigation typeIndication
Blood glucose level Consider as part of initial assessment for children who are very lethargic or have had very little oral intake.
Point of care ketone testing Urinary or blood ketones can be used as a surrogate biochemical marker of a starvation state. If available, may help guide decisions around the need/length of fluid trial/rehydration but should be used in conjunction with clinical picture.
Biochemistry (Na+, K+, urea, creatinine, and glucose) and venous blood gas Consider for the following children:
  • require IV therapy
  • clinical suspicion of hypernatraemia (jittery movements, increased muscle tone, hyperflexia, convulsions, drowsiness or coma)
  • an altered level of consciousness
  • acute change in clinical condition
  • renal disease or taking diuretics
  • hyper or hypotonic fluids given orally at home

Urine dipstick

MCS only required if:
<3months
>3months and dip positive for leucs and/or nitrites

 Recommended for the following children:
  • urinary symptoms
  • previous UTI or known renal tract abnormality
  • fever >48hrs and the absence of diarrhoea
Stool MCS Recommended for the following children:
  • suspected septicaemia
  • blood and/or mucous in stool
  • immunocompromised state

Consider in the following children:

  • recent history of overseas travel
  • diarrhoea greater than seven days
  • uncertain gastroenteritis diagnosis

Management

Refer to flowchart [PDF 669.61 KB] for a summary of the emergency management for children presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis:

Fluid management is the mainstay of therapy directed by the degree of hydration. Medication is not routinely recommended.2,6

Most children presenting to an ED with symptoms of gastroenteritis can be managed conservatively with an oral fluid trial as outlined below. For any child who requires nasogastric (NG) or IV rehydration, strict fluid balance must be recorded, with weighing of all nappies if relevant and at least daily weights.

Fluids

Child in shock

Seek senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice for a child in shock. Consider contacting paediatric critical care (onsite or via Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ)) if signs of shock persist after two fluid boluses.

Consider sepsis in child with persisting signs of shock following fluid bolus.

Fluid resuscitation for the management of shocked children
Bolus dose (IV or IO) Sodium Chloride 0.9% administered rapidly in 20 mL/kg bolus.
Repeat in 20 mL/kg boluses as clinically indicated.
Ongoing fluid therapy Sodium chloride 0.9% and 5% glucose running at maintenance plus correction of estimated deficit (usually 10% in the shocked patient) over 24hrs. Use potassium containing fluids in children who are hypokalaemic and consider in children with significant ongoing losses (see potassium prescribing guideline [PDF])

Reassess frequently and replace significant ongoing losses.

Rate may be revised on senior emergency/paediatric advice following identification of an electrolyte disturbance.

Calculating fluid rates

Maintenance fluids:

  • First 10kg – 4ml/kg/hr
  • Second 10kg – 2ml/kg/hr
  • Every kg after 20kg – 1ml/kg/hr

PLUS

Replacement of deficit:
% dehydration x weight (in kg) x 10
replacement time (usually 24-48hrs)

Example
  • 25kg child
  • 10% dehydration

Maintenance fluids:

  • 40 + 20 + 5 = 65ml/hr

PLUS

Replacement of 10% deficit:
10 x 25 x 10 ÷ 24 = 104ml/hr

TOTAL: 169ml/hr

Child with clinical signs of dehydration

In children with clinical signs of dehydration, the focus is on rehydration.

Acute gastroenteritis can often be managed effectively with oral rehydration therapy (ORT). This has been shown to reduce inpatient admissions when used in ED.10Oral rehydration solutions use the principle of glucose-facilitated sodium transport whereby glucose enhances sodium and secondarily water transport across the mucosa of the upper intestine. Water absorption across the lumen of the gut is maximised when solutions with a sodium to glucose ratio of 1:1.4, and a sodium concentration of 60mmol/L are used.11 Appropriate rehydration solutions include Glucolyte, GastrolyteTM, HYDRAlyteTM and PedialyteTM.

The most appropriate route of fluid administration (oral, NG or IV) is influenced by the age of the child and the severity of dehydration. Where possible enteral (NG and oral) rehydration is preferred (see Trial of fluids form [PDF]). In comparison with IV administration, enteral rehydration has been associated with better health outcomes (quicker return to normal diet, less vomiting and diarrhoea and improved weight gain at discharge), fewer complications, shorter hospital stay, and is more cost effective. NG rehydration is usually successful regardless of vomiting (though vomiting usually ceases following commencement of NG fluids). 3,12

Breastfeeding should always be continued throughout the rehydration phase.

Recommended routes of fluid administration for children with clinical signs of dehydration
OralNGIV
  • Routinely recommended as initial route of choice for children with mild to moderate clinical dehydration.
  • Contraindicated in children with reduced level of consciousness (due to risk of aspiration) or ileus.
  • Consider for children aged less than three years:
    • with more severe dehydration
    • unable to tolerate oral rehydration (due to persistent vomiting/fluid refusal)
  • May be considered for older children but generally not well tolerated.
  • Contraindicated in children with reduced level of consciousness (due to risk of aspiration) or ileus.
  • Consider for children aged more than three years:
    • with more severe dehydration
    • unable to tolerate oral rehydration (due to persistent vomiting/fluid refusal)
  • Consider for children aged less than tree years if NG fluids have failed.
Fluid administration for children with clinical signs of dehydration
OralNG/IV
  • Offer small amounts of oral rehydration solution frequently via syringe/cup, aiming for 12.5ml/kg/hr (small volumes are better tolerated than larger volumes)13-16
  • Appropriate rehydration solutions include Glucolyte, GastrolyteTM, HYDRAlyteTM and PedialyteTM
  • Dilute apple juice, although not electrolyte replete, has been shown to have fewer treatment failures than oral rehydration solutions in mild gastroenteritis.17
  • Soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks (Gatorade/Powerade) should preferably not be used as rehydration fluid due to the minimal sodium content.
  • Water alone is NOT recommended.
  • Rapid rehydration (50 mL/kg over 4 hours) using oral rehydration solution (NG) or Sodium Chloride 0.9% + Glucose 5% (IV) is routinely recommended.
  • Slower rate (over 8-12 hours) is recommended in children
    • with significant co-morbidities (e.g. renal disease, cardiac disease, diabetes, on diuretics)
    • infants less than 6 months of age to avoid fluid overload.
    • who continue to vomit during rapid rehydration
    • who are being admitted overnight
  • Replace significant losses due to vomiting and diarrhoea (add volume loss to replacement and administer over next hour).

Regular reassessment is recommended. Rehydration therapy is regarded as successful if the clinical signs of dehydration have resolved.

Persistence of signs after four hours may be due to:

  • initial underestimation of the fluid deficit
  • persistent vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • alternative/additional diagnosis

If signs of dehydration persist, further rehydration via NG or IV therapy is recommended. Consider testing for electrolyte abnormality.

Seek senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice if electrolyte abnormalities are identified on blood testing (as fluid adjustments may be required).

Feeding (using usual fluids) should be reintroduced after the acute phase of rehydration (two to four hours) or earlier if indicated by the child. Refer to Gastroenteritis Factsheet for further advice on feeding for parents/caregivers.

Child with no clinical signs of dehydration

In children with gastroenteritis without clinical signs of dehydration the focus is on prevention of dehydration.

Children should receive a fluid challenge with an oral rehydration solution at triage while awaiting medical assessment. Offer small amounts of oral rehydration solution frequently via syringe/cup, aiming for 10ml/kg/hour (small volumes are better tolerated than larger volumes)13-16 See Trial of fluids form [PDF].

Following medical assessment, children who have no risk factors for dehydration can be safely discharged home with reassurance, advice (including the Gastroenteritis fact sheet) and safety netting.

Children with risk factors for dehydration (see above), should have an extended period of observation and complete a trial of fluids over 1-4hrs.

Where relevant, breastfeeding should be encouraged.

Ondansetron

A single dose of oral ondansetron can be prescribed to reduce vomiting.

Ondansetron has been shown to reduce the need for IV rehydration, rate of representation and length of hospital stay in children with gastroenteritis16, 20.

Ondansetron for the management of vomiting in children with gastroenteritis
Dose Given orally or sublingually at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg (maximum 8 mg).

Tablets and wafers are available in 4 mg and 8 mg doses. Recommended doses are as follows:

  • 8-15 kg: 2 mg (half tablet or wafer)
  • 15-30 kg: 4 mg
  • greater than 30 kg: 8 mg (clinician may choose to dose at 6mg if this is more consistent with a calculated dose of 0.15mg/kg)

Not recommended for children aged less than 6 months, weight less than 8 kg or with ileus.

Considerations Ondansetron prolongs the QT interval in a dose–dependent manner. Exercise caution in children who have or may develop prolongation of QTc (such as those with electrolyte disturbances, family history of long QT syndrome, heart failure or those on medications that may lead to a prolongation of the QTc).18,19

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not routinely recommended as gastroenteritis is commonly viral in aetiology. In cases of uncomplicated bacterial gastroenteritis, there is no evidence of benefit but evidence of potential harm related to the use of antibiotic therapy.

Antibiotic therapy is recommended for:

Consider antibiotic therapy for malnourished or immunocompromised children.

Seek senior emergency/paediatric advice as per local practice regarding antibiotic prescription.

Other medications

The following medications are not routinely recommended:

  • other anti-emetics including metoclopramide, prochlorperazine or dexamethasone – no evidence to support use and associated with significant side effects (e.g. dystonic reactions).
  • anti-diarrhoeal agents including Loperamide – associated with adverse consequences including lethargy, paralytic ileus, toxic mega-colon, CNS depression, coma and even death.

Escalation and advice outside of ED

Clinicians can contact the services below if escalation of care outside of senior clinicians within the ED is needed, as per local practices. Transfer is recommended if the child requires a higher level of care.

Critically unwell or rapidly deteriorating child

Includes children with the following (as a guide):
  • persistent signs of shock despite two fluid boluses
  • physiological triggers based on age (see below)
Less than 1 year 1-4 years 5-11 years Over 12 years
  • RR >50
  • HR <90 or >170
  • sBP <65
  • SpO2 <93% in oxygen or <85% in air
  • GCS ≤12
  • RR >40
  • HR <80 or >160
  • sBP <70
  • SpO2 <93% in oxygen or <85% in air
  • GCS ≤12
  • RR >40
  • HR <70 or >150
  • sBP <75
  • SpO2 <93% in oxygen or <85% in air
  • GCS ≤12
  • RR >30
  • HR <50 or >130
  • sBP <85
  • SpO2 <93% in oxygen or <85% in air
  • GCS ≤12
Reason for contact Who to contact
For immediate onsite assistance including airway management

The most senior resources available onsite at the time as per local practices.

Options may include:

  • paediatric critical care
  • critical care
  • anaesthetics
  • paediatrics
  • Senior Medical Officer (or similar)
Paediatric critical care advice and assistance

Onsite or via Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ).

If no onsite paediatric critical care service contact RSQ on 1300 799 127:

  • for access to paediatric critical care telephone advice
  • to coordinate the retrieval of a critically unwell child

RSQ (access via QH intranet)

Notify early of child potentially requiring transfer.

Consider early involvement of local paediatric/critical care service.

In the event of retrieval, inform your local paediatric service.

Non-critical child

Reason for contact Who to contact
Advice
(including management, disposition or
follow-up) 		Follow local practices. Options:
Referral First point of call is the onsite/local paediatric service

Inter-hospital transfers

Do I need a critical transfer?
Request a non-critical inter-hospital transfer
Non-critical transfer forms

Disposition

When to consider discharge from ED

The majority of children with gastroenteritis who present with no or mild signs of clinical dehydration can be safely discharged home.

Consider discharge for the following children:

  • no signs of clinical dehydration
  • parents/caregivers received education regarding management at home
  • alternate diagnoses considered and excluded

A longer period of observation in SSU or inpatient service may be considered for children with risk factors for dehydration including children aged less than one year especially if pre-term or failure to thrive, signs of malnutrition, immunocompromised or other underlying chronic medical conditions.

On discharge, parents/caregivers should be provided with a Gastroenteritis fact sheet.

Follow-up

With GP if symptoms worsen or persist after two to three days.

When to consider admission

Admission to an inpatient service or SSU (where relevant) is recommended for the following children:

  • require NG or IV rehydration
  • concerns regarding ability to maintain adequate hydration at home.
    1. Acworth J., Babl F., Borland M., et al. Patterns of presentations to the Australian and New Zealand paediatric emergency research network. Emergency Medicine Australasia. 2009; 21 (1): 59-66.
    2. Heinz P. Management of acute gastroenteritis in children. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2008; 18 (10): 453-457.
    3. Elliott EJ., Dalby-Payne JR. Acute infectious diarrhoea and dehydration in children. Medical Journal of Australia. 2004; 181 (10): 565-570.
    4. Webb A., Starr M. Acute gastroenteritis in children. Australian Family Physician. 2005; 35 (4): 227-231.
    5. KooHL.,Nei FH,EsteslMK.,Norovirus:the most common pediatric viral enteri pathogenat a large university teaching hospital after introduction of rotavirus vaccination. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. August 3,2012
    6. Canavan A., Arant BS. Diagnosis and management of dehydration in children. American Family Physician. 2009; 80 (7): 692-696.
    7. Moritz ML., Ayus JC. The changing pattern of hypernatraemia in hospitalised children. Pediatrics. 1999; 104 (3): 435-439.
    8. Gorelick MH., Shaw KN., Murph KO. Validity and reliability of clinical signs in the diagnosis of dehydration in children. Pediatrics. 1997; 99 (5): 724.
    9. Steiner MJ., DeWalt DA., Byerley JS. Is this child dehydrated?. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004; 291 (22): 2746-2754.
    10. Boyd R., Busuttil M., Stuart P. Pilot study of a paediatric emergency department oral rehydration protocol. Emergency Medicine Journal. 2005; 22 (2): 116-117.
    11. Reeves JJ., Shannon MW., Fleisher GR. Ondansetron decreases vomiting associated with acute gastroenteritis: a randomized, controlled trial. Paediatrics. 2002; 62, 109.
    12. Nazarian LF., Berman JH., Brown G., et al. Practice parameter: The management of acute gastroenteritis in young children. Pediatrics. 1996; 97 (3):424-435.
    13. Levy JA.,Waltzman,MD.,Monuteaux,ScD,Bachur RD. Value of point of care ketones in assessing dehydration and acidosis in children with gastroenteritis. Academic Emergency Medicine 2013;20:1146-1150
    14. World Health Organisation. The treatment of diarrhoea: A manual for physicians and other senior health workers [internet]. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2005 [cited 2022 Sept 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241593180
    15. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing acute gastroenteritis among children: Oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy [internet]. Atlanta (GA): Centre for Disease Control and Prevention; 2003 [cited 2011 May 9]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5216a1.htm
    16. Freedman SB., Adler M., Seshadri R., et al. Oral ondansetron for gastroenteritis in a paediatric emergency department. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354 (16): 1698-705.
    17. Freedman SB., Willan AR., Boutis K., Schuh S. Effect of Dilute Apple Juice and Preferred Fluids vs Electrolyte Maintenance Solution on Treatment Failure Among Children with Mild Gastroenteritis. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2016, 315 (18): 1966-1974
    18. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence NICE) Evidence summary: Management of vomiting in young people and children with gastroenteritis: ondansetron Published 07 Oct 2014
    19. Ondansetron for Intravenous Use: dose-dependent QT interval prolongation: new posology. Drug Safety Update Volume 6, Issue 12, July 2013
    20. Benary D, Lorenzo JM, Higley R, Lowe D. Ondansetron Prescription is associated with reduced return visits to the paediatric emergency department for children with gastroenteritis. Ann Emerg Med 2020 Nov; 76(5): 625-634

  • Document ID: CHQ-GDL-60015

    Version number: 4.0

    Supersedes: 3.0

    Approval date: 02/03/2023

    Effective date: 02/03/2023

    Review date: 02/03/2027

    Executive sponsor: Executive Director Medical Services

    Author/custodian:  Queensland Emergency Care Children Working Group

    Applicable to: Queensland Health medical and nursing staff

    Document source: Internal (QHEPS) + External

    Authorisation: Executive Director Clinical Services

    Keywords: Gastro, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, paediatric, emergency, guideline, children, 60015

    Accreditation references: NSQHS Standards (1-8): 1, 4, 8

  • This guideline is intended as a guide and provided for information purposes only. View full disclaimer.

Last updated: October 2023