gastroenteritis - intussusception Flashcards
What is the typical cause of acute gastroenteritis in children?
Viral origin (most common), but can also be bacterial.
Name four possible foodborne bacterial causes of gastroenteritis.
Salmonellosis, Listeriosis, Shigellosis, Staphylococcal food poisoning.
What is a key preventive measure for foodborne illness?
Proper hand hygiene.
What is the usual treatment for mild gastroenteritis?
Oral rehydration.
What is gastroesophageal reflux (GER)?
Regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus due to lower esophageal sphincter immaturity.
How common is GER in infants?
Occurs in up to 70% of infants.
What are typical signs of GER in infants?
1–2 oz spit-up after feeding, more common in preterm infants.
What feeding modifications help reduce GER?
Small, frequent feedings; thickened with cereal; upright for 30 minutes post-feed.
What environmental factor can worsen reflux symptoms?
Exposure to smoke/nicotine.
When does GER usually resolve?
By 6 months of age, or later in developmentally delayed children.
When is GER considered abnormal or pathologic (GERD)?
When it interferes with ADLs: poor weight gain, persistent emesis, gagging/choking.
Which children are more likely to develop GERD?
Those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and obesity.
What complications can result from untreated GERD?
Esophageal erosion, rare development of esophageal cancer.
What are non-medical treatments for GERD?
Upright posture after meals, avoid acidic/fatty foods, elevate head of bed, maintain healthy BMI.
What medications are used to manage GERD?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
What is pyloric stenosis?
Hypertrophy/hyperplasia of the pyloric sphincter muscle, impeding gastric emptying.
Who is most commonly affected by pyloric stenosis?
First-born White male infants.
When does pyloric stenosis typically present?
Around 6 weeks for breastfed, 4 weeks for formula-fed infants.
What are symptoms of pyloric stenosis?
Sour-smelling projectile emesis, olive-sized mass, visible peristalsis, signs of dehydration and alkalosis.
What is the treatment for pyloric stenosis?
Surgical correction.
What is intussusception?
Invagination of one part of the intestine into another.
At what age is intussusception most common?
6–12 months.
What may trigger intussusception?
Often unknown, but sometimes linked to a “lead point” (e.g., tumor, polyp).
What are signs of intussusception?
Cramping pain, bilious vomiting, distended abdomen, blood in stool (red currant jelly), fever, guarding.
What is the treatment for intussusception?
Emergency surgery.
