ABSTRACT
Acute gastroenteritis remains a significant paediatric problem, accounting for 5 million deaths annually in the developing world in the under-5 age group, where it often occurs against a background of malnutrition. In Western nations, mortality is now minimal, but gastroenteritis remains an important cause of morbidity, and a common reason for paediatric hospital admissions (second only to respiratory illness). The promotion of adequate fluid balance, good nutritional status and the avoidance of unnecessary drug therapies should be the priorities of all health workers.
