Gastrointestinal Infections

• Giardiasis

  Giardiasis, a top cause of diarrhea, is an intestinal illness caused by a tiny parasite. Infections pass easily from person to person.

• Helicobacter pylori Infections

  H. pylori bacteria can cause digestive illnesses, including gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

• Norovirus

  Norovirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. Most norovirus infections get better on their own with home care.

• Pinworm Infections

  Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. But pinworms don’t cause any harm (just itching), and it won’t take long to get rid of them.

• Rotavirus

  Rotavirus infection affects most kids and is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. A vaccine to prevent it is now recommended for all kids.

• Salmonella Infections

  Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, belly cramps, fever, and headache.

• Shigella Infections (Shigellosis)

  Shigella are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract and cause a wide range of symptoms, from diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, and nausea, to more serious problems and illnesses.

• Stomachaches

  Kids can have stomach pain for lots of reasons – not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on.

• Tapeworm

  Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they’re usually easy to treat.

• Treating Appendicitis: Comparing Surgery With Antibiotic Treatment

  For some kids, treating appendicitis can mean surgery or antibiotics. Find out about the differences.