Vomiting and fever in children
In children, viral and bacterial infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and high fevers. Usually the severity of the vomiting is a more important factor than the child's exact temperature when deciding whether a visit to the doctor is needed.
Watch the child carefully for dehydration when he or she has a fever, especially if your child is also vomiting. Dehydration in babies and small children is very dangerous.
Babies are more susceptible to dehydration because a larger portion of their bodies is made of water. Babies also have higher metabolic rates than adults, so their bodies use more water. However, a baby's kidneys are not as efficient, and they do not conserve water as well as an adult's kidneys. Illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea can rapidly reduce a baby's fluid reserves.
If your child has vomiting and a fever, an evaluation may be needed.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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