Description
A virus that infects the intestinal tract causing vomiting and diarrhea. It is the most common cause of severe vomiting and diarrhea in children and kills 600,000 children a year worldwide. Almost all children have had the infection by their third birthday, but will no longer exhibit signs of infection because of built up immunity. Children between the ages of 6-24 months are at greatest risk for severe infections.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests that examine stool samples are used to identify the specific virus or rule out a bacterial cause. Blood tests monitor for electrolyte changes caused by dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Stool studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests that examine stool samples are used to identify the specific virus or rule out a bacterial cause. Blood tests monitor for electrolyte changes caused by dehydration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Stool studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to prevent or correct dehydration. Fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by vomiting and diarrhea will be replaced and depending on the severity of the dehydration will be done orally or with an intravenous catheter. Medications for vomiting either orally or intravenously may be given. Antibiotics do not work for viruses and are not administered. Anti-diarrheal medications are generally not given, as they may prolong the infectious process. A Rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq, Rotarix) can prevent recurrent infections.