PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS (AGE)

Predisposing Factors Precipitating Factors

 Age  Contaminated
 Malnutrition food and water
Ingestion of fecally
contaminated water &
food

Direct invasion of the Endotoxins are released

bowel wall

Stimulation and
destruction of mucosal
lining of bowel wall Attempted defecation
(Tenesmus)

Digestive & absorptive

malfunction

Excessive gas formation Increase peristaltic Secretion of F&E in the

movement intestinal lumen

GI Distention
Mild Diarrhea
(2-3 Stools)

Nausea & Vomiting

Fluid & Electrolytes
Imbalance

Increased protein in the

lumen

LI is overwhelmed &
unable to reabsorb the
lost fluid

Intense Diarrhea
(>10x) (Watery Stool)

Serious Fluid Volume

Deficit

If untreated…
Hypovolemic Shock

Death