Question
What to do when a child has diarrhea, vomiting, and fever due to a cold?
Answer
When a child’s cold leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, these symptoms are often associated with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and other bodily discomforts. However, some individuals may experience primarily nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. They might have a fever but relatively mild upper respiratory symptoms. This is because colds (or upper respiratory infections) are primarily caused by viruses that can infect the nasal passages and oropharynx, triggering regional allergic reactions and inflammation leading to runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. The viruses may also enter the digestive tract, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, we refer to it as gastrointestinal flu. For diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in children caused by a cold, here are some suggestions:
- Ensure the child receives adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.
- If the child is still breastfeeding, try to reduce the milk quantity or switch to other light and easy-to-digest foods.
- Keep the indoor air circulating and avoid excessive cold or heat.
- Allow the child to rest sufficiently to aid recovery.
- If the child has a fever over 38°C, appropriate antipyretics can be used, but please use them strictly according to medical advice. If the child’s symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment recommendations.