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Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal Pain And Dehydration
Question: 16 year old male with diarrhea and vomiting, unable to hold any liquids or solids times 3 days. Complains of abdominal pain, weakness. Had 101.6 temp which responded to Tylenol, now 98.7. Has history of chronic constipation, with two episodes within last year, treated with gavilyte. Bloody stools are seemingly his norm. Has medical appointment with pediatrician on Monday, but is this too long to wait? Is dehydration a concern?
Approximately how long do I wait for a response?
Approximately how long do I wait for a response?
Brief Answer:
Treatment for dehydration
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If he has not been able to keep down even fluids for 3 days, then yes, he should go in to urgent care clinic or ER. There they can check his electrolytes (blood test) and provide IV rehydration, with supplemental electrolytes (usually additional potassium). They can also give him a an injection of an antiemetic.
Sometimes just getting rehydrated and having correction of electrolytes and gastrointestinal rest (which can happen because of the IV) is enough to stop the cycle of vomiting and diarrhea.
So yes, it is time to go in for him to be evaluated and treated for dehydration.
The vomiting and diarrhea may be due to a gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") which is going around in the community, but best to have him seen to make sure there isn't something else happening.
In terms of how long it takes for doctors to respond, it depends on how many of us are on the site at any given time. It can take up to 24 hours, so it is best not to use this site in an emergency.
I hope he is feeling better soon!
Treatment for dehydration
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If he has not been able to keep down even fluids for 3 days, then yes, he should go in to urgent care clinic or ER. There they can check his electrolytes (blood test) and provide IV rehydration, with supplemental electrolytes (usually additional potassium). They can also give him a an injection of an antiemetic.
Sometimes just getting rehydrated and having correction of electrolytes and gastrointestinal rest (which can happen because of the IV) is enough to stop the cycle of vomiting and diarrhea.
So yes, it is time to go in for him to be evaluated and treated for dehydration.
The vomiting and diarrhea may be due to a gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") which is going around in the community, but best to have him seen to make sure there isn't something else happening.
In terms of how long it takes for doctors to respond, it depends on how many of us are on the site at any given time. It can take up to 24 hours, so it is best not to use this site in an emergency.
I hope he is feeling better soon!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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