Abstract
Background: Acute gastroenteritis is a new diarrhea illness commonly self-limiting disease in children and sometimes associated with significant mortality and morbidity among children in developing countries. The most common cause is a viral illness, but other causes must be excluded in certain circumstances. Clinical features can be mild, as watery diarrhea to severe diarrheal illness complicated by dehydration, pre-renal azotemia, and eventually death. Objective: the aim of this literature review to address the common cause of gastroenteritis in children, the impact on the health system globally, and the management approach to avoid such complications. Methodology: We searched in the PubMed database looking for relevant articles to the topic. We used Mesh terms: Gastroenteritis in children, diarrhea in children, viral gastroenteritis in children. Conclusion: Children with gastroenteritis illness must be assessed adequately for the degree of dehydration and possible consequences. The cornerstone of therapy is rehydration, either orally or intravenously, depending on the associated symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, and the dehydration degree.