Q: My child has gastroenteritis, cold extremities, and a 38.8°C fever. Should I give a fever reducer or oral rehydration solution first?
Updated: Sep 7
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 child had been vomiting continuously since the early hours of the morning, so we went to the pediatrician. The doctor mentioned mild gastroenteritis and prescribed some medication along with an oral rehydration solution (ORS). After returning home and taking the prescribed medicine, my child is lying down with cold hands and feet, and their temperature has spiked to 38.8°C. Should I give a fever reducer right now, or should I prioritize giving the oral rehydration solution? Please help!
Answer:
It is completely understandable that you are worried, especially with your child vomiting since dawn and now developing a high fever. In this situation, managing the fever and preventing dehydration are your top priorities.
Here is the step-by-step guidance on what you should do right now:
Administer a fever reducer first
A fever of 38.8°C (101.8°F) can make your child very uncomfortable. You should give them an appropriate dose of a fever reducer (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) based on their age and weight. Because your child is prone to vomiting, give the medication slowly with a very small amount of water.
Give the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) gradually
Wait about 30 minutes after giving the fever reducer to let their stomach settle, then start giving the ORS. The trick is to give very small amounts frequently: about 5 to 10 ml (1 to 2 teaspoons) every 5 minutes. Do not force them to drink a lot at once. If your child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then try again.
Don't panic about the cold hands and feet
It is a normal physiological response for a child's hands and feet to feel cold when their core body temperature is actively rising. You can cover their extremities with a thin blanket to keep them comfortable, and maintain a room temperature of about 24–26°C (75–79°F).
⚠️ When to visit the Emergency Room immediately:
Please monitor your child closely for signs of severe dehydration. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe any of the following:
No urination for 8 hours or more.
Inability to keep any fluids down due to continuous vomiting.
Sunken eyes, no tears when crying, or severely dry lips.
Lethargy, unusual drowsiness, or lack of normal responsiveness.
Continue to give the medications prescribed by your pediatrician and focus heavily on small, frequent sips of hydration. Keep a close eye on your child's condition overnight, and follow up with your pediatrician or visit an urgent care center if the symptoms persist or worsen.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
