Q: My 7-year-old was diagnosed with gastroenteritis, but has severe intermittent stomach pain and no gas. Should we go to the ER?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 7-year-old daughter ate some abalone porridge yesterday evening. Around 2:30 AM, she woke up complaining of stomach pain and vomited. She couldn't sleep because her stomach continued to hurt. She vomited once more around 6:00 AM, and then her temperature spiked to 38.9°C.

I gave her a fever reducer and took her to the pediatrician. The doctor examined her abdomen, listened with a stethoscope, and diagnosed her with gastroenteritis accompanied by vomiting. We were prescribed oral medications and told that IV fluids or injections weren't necessary yet.

However, her symptoms are not improving despite taking the medication:

• Abdominal pain: She has a constant, mild stomach ache that intermittently becomes so severe that she cries loudly in agony.

• Vomiting: She hasn't vomited again, but when I fed her a little white porridge, she complained that her stomach hurt even more.

• Bowel movements: She has no diarrhea, and she has not passed any stool or gas at all.

• Fever: Her temperature is fluctuating in the 38°C range. She is shivering and keeping wrapped in blankets, and her fever isn't dropping easily.

I am debating whether we need to go to the emergency room right now. Should we wait a little longer with the prescribed medication, or should we head to the ER immediately? I'm also wondering if there is a possibility of this being something other than simple gastroenteritis. Thank you.

Answer:

It must be incredibly concerning to see your child in so much pain, especially when she is crying from severe stomach aches.

Based on the comprehensive symptoms you have described, I highly recommend visiting the emergency room immediately.

Reasons You Should Go to the ER Right Away:

• Severe intermittent abdominal pain + vomiting + no passing of gas or stool can indicate a potential bowel obstruction.

• Her symptoms do not fit the typical pattern of simple gastroenteritis (which usually involves diarrhea and passing gas).

• The pain is severe enough to make her cry despite medication.

• Her abdominal pain worsens immediately upon eating.

When You Go to the ER, Please Prepare:

1. The prescription list of medications she is currently taking.

2. A record of the exact time she last passed stool or gas.

3. A description of her vomit (color, consistency, and amount).

Possible Conditions the Doctors Will Consider:

• Intussusception: While more common in younger infants, it can still occur in 7-year-olds and is characterized by severe, intermittent abdominal pain.

• Partial Bowel Obstruction: Indicated by the inability to pass gas or stool, often accompanied by abdominal swelling.

• Acute Appendicitis: This often begins with pain around the belly button before shifting, and can cause vomiting and fever.

• Complications from Food Poisoning.

Simple gastroenteritis typically presents with diarrhea and the ability to pass gas. The fact that she is not passing any gas at all and is experiencing severe, wave-like pain strongly suggests that additional medical evaluation is necessary.

Please do not delay. Take your child to the emergency room for an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound. Your child's safety and getting an accurate diagnosis are the top priorities right now.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

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