Pediatric Gastroenterological Conditions Flashcards
Viral Gastroenteritis
Q: What is the typical presentation of viral gastroenteritis in children?
Q: What are the main causes of viral gastroenteritis?
Q: Name three red flags in viral gastroenteritis.
Q: How is viral gastroenteritis generally managed in children?
A: Sudden onset of diarrhoea with or without vomiting and sometimes fever.
A: Enteric viruses (e.g., rotavirus), less commonly bacterial or protozoan infections.
A: Fever >38°C in age <3 months or >39°C in older children, blood/mucus in stool, and bilious vomit.
A: Continue the usual diet, encourage fluid intake, use oral rehydration solutions, and breastfeed.
Constipation
Q: What are common symptoms of childhood idiopathic constipation?
Q: Name two dietary recommendations for managing constipation.
Q: What are some red flags in paediatric constipation requiring referral?
A: Infrequent bowel movements, smelly stools, flatulence, abdominal pain, and soiling.
A: Adequate fibre intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and sufficient fluid intake.
A: Rectal bleeding, weight loss, or failure to thrive.
Infantile Colic
Q: Define infantile colic.
Q: What is the prevalence of infantile colic, and when is it most common?
Q: What are common management strategies for infantile colic?
A: Episodes of uncontrollable crying or fussing in a healthy, well-fed infant aged <5 months, lasting >3 hours/day, >3 days/week, for at least 3 weeks.
A: 10–40% of infants, most common during the first 6 weeks of life.
A: Reassurance, soothing techniques (e.g., white noise, gentle motion), and upright feeding positions.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Q: What is the difference between physiological and pathological GORD?
Q: How is GORD typically managed in infants?
Q: Name a key red flag in GORD requiring further evaluation.
A: Physiological GORD involves normal weight gain without complications, while pathological GORD includes symptoms like failure to thrive or chronic respiratory disorders.
A: Smaller, frequent feeds, thickened formula, upright positioning post-feed, and, if needed, antacids or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole.
A: Failure to thrive or hematemesis.
Coeliac Disease
Q: What triggers coeliac disease?
Q: What is the classic presentation of coeliac disease in children?
Q: How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
Q: What is the only treatment for coeliac disease?
A: Dietary gluten peptides found in wheat, rye, barley, and related grains.
A: Diarrhoea, abdominal distension, failure to thrive, and wasted buttocks between 8–24 months.
A: Positive IgA-tTG serology, sometimes confirmed with duodenal biopsy or EMA testing.
A: A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
