The child with vomiting and diarrhoea is a common presentation to our emergency departments. But is it always gastro? We’ll explore the common conditions that masquerade as gastro, and the features that will help you sinch the correct diagnosis. And when you’re happy it is in fact gastro, we’ll teach you a systematic approach to assess the fluid status of a child, and define the degree of dehydration. We will also cover the principles of rehydration including routes and choice of fluids. But gastro isn’t just about filling the cup back to full. We’ll discuss the role of investigations and adjunct therapies to help kids with gastro get out of hospital quicker and safer. 

Dr Visakan Krishnananthan (paediatric trainee) is joined by Eastern Health paediatrician Dr Andrew Lovett as we cover all these questions. Andrew is a general paediatrician and current clinical director of paediatrics at Eastern Health. He has an interest in the leadership of junior and senior medical officers and representing the discipline to the broader hospital. 

Recorded [2nd June 2022].  Content Developer [Visakan Krishnananthan]. Scheduling Coordinator [Khrisna Tumali]. Content Editors [Emma Ku, Khrisna Tumali]. Interviewer [Visakan Krishnananthan]. Interviewee [Andrew Lovett]. Resource Development [Tushar Goyal]. Ratification [Megan McKinnon].  Admin Support [Kate Flynn]. Music Intro [Credit as provided by Giselle Bennett]. Music Outro [Credit as provided by Giselle Bennett]

Disclaimer: Thrive podcasts are a free open-access medical resource developed by medical staff at Eastern Health to educate junior doctors. We make every effort to ensure our content is up to date and based on the latest evidence, however this may not always be possible. Consequently, our content should not be used to substitute local guidelines or hospital protocols and guidance from senior clinicians should be sought in unfamiliar clinical situations.