Infectious Gastroenteritis

There are physiological differences in age groups of children when considering the management of diarrhoea irrespective of the cause.
● Neonates and babies (0-9 months)
Compared to children in older age groups neonates and babies can:
▪ lose fluids equal to their extracellular fluid within 2-3 days due to the higher percentage of water in their extracellular fluid
▪ have a decreased ability to concentrate urine because of their immature renal system
▪ have a higher metabolic turnover due to an increased metabolic rate if fluid losses are not replaced quickly, dehydration occurs
▪ are unable to verbalise or communicate thirst

There are physiological differences in age groups of children when considering the management of diarrhoea irrespective of the cause.