Ashley O., 12

It is a joy to be around Ashley since she is either singing or dancing. She likes to entertain her friends in school and at home by teaching them new dancing styles. She likes cooking and can cook almost all types of regular meals that they eat at home. Her favorite drink is flavoured yoghurt. Ashley would like to be a music artist when she grows up. She was brought to the hospital with complains of loose stool, lower abdominal pain and chest pains which had lasted for 5 days. The lower abdominal pain had however been persistent for more than the 5 days. The loose stool had worsened as this was making Ashley loose so much fluids, and this prompted her mum to bring her to the hospital.

Ashley was brought to the hospital with complaints of loose stool, lower abdominal pain, and chest pain. The symptoms had begun five days earlier, and although her mother initially thought they would resolve on their own, the condition worsened after two days with persistent pain. She was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and severe dehydration, and was managed with antibiotics, oral medication, and a three-day course of injections. She was also prescribed oral drugs to complete the treatment at home. She has since recovered well, and the infective gastroenteritis was successfully managed. A follow up phone call confirmed that she is now doing well.

Gastroentheritis prognosis is good when treated early with antibiotics and rehydration solution to prevent further spread of bacteria into the blood stream causing sepsis and intestinal perforation.