Is it normal for a child to have diarrhea and vomiting while suffering from fever?
Patient: My son is 4 and woke up this morning with diarrhea. He didn t have much of an appetite and was sleepy and felt slightly warm and then this afternoon he began vomiting as well. His temperature has been around 104 and only gets down to 102.5 or so with the Ibprophin. How do I make sure he isn t getting dehydrated? When is his fever too high ? He s tired but still verbal and somewhat alert when awake. He has been sipping water as well as pedialite. He has ate a few crackers. He is currently sleeping, has been recently medicated (Ibprophin), and is running a fever of 102.5 (taken under his tongue). When do I seek medical attention? Doctor: Hi,If he is active in between fever and taking feeds, you need not worry now. Just give ibuprofen every 8 hours and give frequent small sips of ORS / pedialyte to avoid dehydration. Also give a soft diet in frequent but small amount.  If he not excessively thirsty, passing urine as usual and eyes are not sunken- there is no dehydration. Do tepid sponging if temperature doesn't come below 100 after 1 hour of ibuprofenIf fever is not coming down after 48 hours, he becomes lethargic and not taking orally, or signs of dehydration persists despite giving fluids- you need to take him to doctor, as this may need antibiotics & fluid therapy.Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician