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How To Treat Persistent Vomiting, Fever And Diarrhea In A Teenager?

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Posted on Fri, 5 Jan 2018
Question: My 13 year old son has been vomiting for the past 5 hours and now is having diarrhea at the same time. He is pale but doesn’t have a fever. Shouting take him to the ER?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely viral gastroenteritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

If your son is not able to retain any fluids, then he might be getting dehydrated and losing electrolytes from the vomiting and diarrhea, which would be a reason to take him in.

I think it would be reasonable to take him in to the ER. Sometimes just getting an IV and electrolyte replacement (potassium in particular) and nothing by mouth for a few hours is enough to quiet it down, but in addition, they can also give him an antiemetic IV or IM which will help too.

So yes, if he isn't able to counter this with enough fluids, it is time to take him in.

In addition, although you didn't mention other alarming symptoms, while this is most likely a viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), other things can present with these symptoms (appendicitis, etc) and this can be evaluated in the ER too.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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How To Treat Persistent Vomiting, Fever And Diarrhea In A Teenager?

Brief Answer: Most likely viral gastroenteritis Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX If your son is not able to retain any fluids, then he might be getting dehydrated and losing electrolytes from the vomiting and diarrhea, which would be a reason to take him in. I think it would be reasonable to take him in to the ER. Sometimes just getting an IV and electrolyte replacement (potassium in particular) and nothing by mouth for a few hours is enough to quiet it down, but in addition, they can also give him an antiemetic IV or IM which will help too. So yes, if he isn't able to counter this with enough fluids, it is time to take him in. In addition, although you didn't mention other alarming symptoms, while this is most likely a viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), other things can present with these symptoms (appendicitis, etc) and this can be evaluated in the ER too. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.