TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 39. Gastroenteritis A1 - Spandorfer, Philip R. A2 - Shah, Samir S. PY - 2009 T2 - Pediatric Practice: Infectious Disease AB - Gastroenteritis is commonly defined as either the acute onset of vomiting or the acute onset of diarrhea with or without vomiting. Vomiting is defined as the acute onset of forceful expulsion of gastric secretions through the oral cavity and should be differentiated from posttussive emesis and gastroesophageal reflux. Diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools. When bloody diarrhea and fever are present, the illness is referred to as dysentery. The majority of gastroenteritis in the developed countries occurs due to a viral etiology, predominantly rotavirus, whereas bacteria are responsible for the majority of cases in less developed nations. Relatively common causes of gastroenteritis are listed in Table 39–1. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=6907882 ER -