What should I do if a child has a fever, vomiting, and diarrhea?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature, while "vomiting and diarrhea" refers to the simultaneous occurrence of vomiting and loose stools. Fever accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea in children may be caused by various factors, including gastrointestinal dysfunction, physiological diarrhea with fever, acute gastroenteritis, rotavirus enteritis, bacterial dysentery, and other similar conditions. Treatment may be carried out under a doctor's guidance using general supportive care, medication, or other appropriate therapeutic approaches.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature, while vomiting and diarrhea are referred to as gastrointestinal symptoms. When children experience fever accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, it may be caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction, physiological diarrhea with fever, acute gastroenteritis, rotavirus enteritis, bacterial dysentery, or other reasons. Treatment options include general management and medication under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Children's gastrointestinal functions are relatively fragile and susceptible to emotional and dietary factors, which can lead to functional disturbances, manifesting as vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by fever. It is important to cultivate good eating habits in children, avoid overeating, monitor emotional changes, and provide timely comfort to reduce psychological stress.

2. Physiological Diarrhea with Fever

Some children may develop physiological diarrhea due to physical constitution factors, such as allergy or intolerance to certain food components, which may be accompanied by fever due to decreased immunity. It is recommended to understand the child's allergy history and avoid allergenic foods, while increasing physical activity to improve immunity.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. These pathogens invade the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing inflammation, which may lead to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain and bloating. Treatment options include oral rehydration salts (Ⅰ), montmorillonite powder, and Bifidobacterium triple live powder, as directed by a physician.

4. Rotavirus Enteritis

Rotavirus enteritis is caused by rotavirus infection. The virus damages the intestinal mucosa, causing diarrhea, often accompanied by fever and vomiting. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may also occur. Treatment options include loperamide hydrochloride capsules, ribavirin granules, and paracetamol oral solution, as directed by a physician.

5. Bacterial Dysentery

Bacterial dysentery is caused by infection with Shigella bacteria. The bacteria multiply in the intestines, producing toxins that cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, often presenting with pus and blood in the stool. Patients may also experience tenesmus and systemic toxicity symptoms. Treatment options include cefotaxime sodium for injection, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, and azithromycin granules, as recommended by a physician.

Personal hygiene should be emphasized in daily life, including frequent handwashing and developing good hygiene habits to reduce the risk of pathogen infection. Additionally, maintaining a suitable indoor temperature, dressing appropriately to avoid overheating or chilling, and ensuring good ventilation are important.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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How to handle a child's fever of 38°C

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.