What causes fever and vomiting in children?
Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Fever accompanied by vomiting in children may be caused by improper diet, environmental factors, common cold, acute gastroenteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Children's digestive systems are not fully developed. Overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming indigestible or unclean food can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing gastrointestinal dysfunction. When food cannot be properly digested and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting may occur. Additionally, gastrointestinal stress responses might affect the body's temperature regulation center, leading to elevated body temperature. It is important to cultivate good eating habits in children, such as eating at regular intervals and in appropriate quantities, avoiding overeating, and refraining from consuming raw, cold, or unclean foods.
2. Environmental Factors
When the ambient temperature is excessively high or low, a child's body must adjust to adapt to the environmental changes. If this regulation becomes imbalanced, it may affect normal gastrointestinal function and cause vomiting. Furthermore, the body's stress response might lead to abnormal temperature regulation, causing fever. Maintaining a suitable indoor temperature is important—avoiding excessive heat in summer and ensuring proper warmth in winter—and using air conditioners, heaters, and other devices appropriately.
3. Common Cold
The common cold is primarily caused by viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus. After invading the body, the virus may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing disordered gastrointestinal motility and resulting in vomiting. Meanwhile, the body's immune system reacts to combat the virus, causing an increase in body temperature. Symptoms such as nasal congestion and cough may also occur. Patients may take medications such as Lanqin Oral Liquid, Wind-Cold感冒Granules, or Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Capsules under a doctor's guidance.
4. Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, as well as food allergies or food poisoning. After pathogens infect the gastrointestinal tract, they may cause congestion, edema, and exudation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, along with increased gastrointestinal motility, leading to vomiting. The inflammatory response activates the immune system, causing fever. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea may also accompany the condition. Patients may take medications such as Enteritis安宁Tablets, Compound Berberine Tablets, or Smectite Powder according to medical advice.
5. Mesenteric Lymphadenitis
Mesenteric lymphadenitis often occurs secondary to upper respiratory tract infections and is mostly caused by viral infections that involve the mesenteric lymph nodes, causing inflammatory reactions. Swollen lymph nodes may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction and vomiting. Inflammatory stimulation of the immune system leads to fever. Symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite may also occur. Patients may take medications such as Amoxicillin Granules, Cefaclor Dry Mixable Suspension, or Racemic Scopolamine Tablets under a doctor's recommendation.
In daily life, attention should be paid to food hygiene, ensuring food is thoroughly washed and cooked. Children should engage in regular physical activity to strengthen their bodies and enhance immunity. Vaccinations should be administered on schedule to prevent infectious diseases and their associated symptoms.