Management of Gastroenteritis in Primary Care – A Review

Abstract

Gastroenteritis is one the most common diseases worldwide, and it’s more dangerous in children, although in most time it’s self-limited, it can be fatal in case of children, the most dangerous side of GE is diarrhea and the dehydration that follows it. Since dehydration is the most dangerous symptom of the Gastroenteritis Oral rehydration solutions and even intravenous solution intake (in case of severe dehydration) is the main treatment, followed by symptomatic treatment such anti-emetics or antidiarrheal drugs, although caution should be considered for drugs used in children. The need to make cost-effective diagnostic and treatment decisions, avoid unnecessary investigation and referral, provide long-term effective control of symptoms, and minimize the risk of complications constitute the main challenges that PCPs face. During the last few years, the role of primary care physicians in the diagnosis and management of gastroenteritis has been recognized as very important, and it has been suggested that they have all the available resources in order to ensure high standard of care for their patients. In particular, clearly articulated clinical practice guidelines, effective medications, accurate noninvasive investigations, and evidence-based primary care management plans are available to support PCPs who want to raise their threshold for referring patients with GI symptoms.