Episode 19 Part 2: Pediatric Gastroenteritis, Constipation and Bowel Obstruction
Jan 7, 2012
Dr. Anna Jarvis, a pioneer in pediatric emergency medicine, and Dr. Stephen Freedman, a leading researcher in pediatric GI emergencies, dive into the intricacies of pediatric gastroenteritis, discussing critical aspects of diagnosis and management. They emphasize differentiating gastroenteritis from serious conditions and explore rehydration methods, including the role of ondansetron. The duo also addresses severe causes of abdominal pain, such as bowel obstruction and constipation, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals to navigate these common pediatric challenges.
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History Essentials to Diagnose Gastroenteritis
- Rule in gastroenteritis by excluding other serious causes first.
- Ask about contact with others, recent travel, outbreaks, and specific exposures like unpasteurized milk or well water.
Beware Isolated Vomiting Diagnosis
- Don't call vomiting alone gastroenteritis; it prompts broader differential diagnoses.
- Consider intracranial causes, strep throat, pneumonia, myocarditis, UTI, or appendicitis with isolated vomiting.
Fatal Missed Brain Tumor Case
- A patient with isolated vomiting was misdiagnosed for months and later died from a brain tumor.
- Isolated vomiting persisting over weeks warrants careful neurologic exam and consideration of intracranial pathology.