What are the main signs and symptoms of acute gastroenteritis?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The main signs and symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. Severe disease indicators, particularly in high-risk populations, include frequent loose stools, prolonged vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, changes in mental state, and signs of dehydration.

    Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps are common symptoms of AGE. Fever is present in some cases. Monitoring for signs of severe disease is important in high risk populations, such as pregnant people, older people, babies, and people with health conditions that weaken the immune system. Signs of severe disease include:

    • Six or more loose stools in one day
    • Vomiting frequently for more than 24 hours
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Bloody or black stools
    • Any change in mental state, such as confusion
    • Signs of dehydration Fever is a concerning symptom in small children, and a feverish child should always be assessed by a doctor.[1]