Q: My 22-month-old's fever from tonsillitis has broken, but they are extremely lethargic, eating less, and haven't pooped for two days. Is this normal?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
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 22-month-old child had a high fever due to tonsillitis. The fever has finally gone down, but for the past two days, my child has been extremely lethargic and lying down all day. I'm wondering if it is okay to just let them rest like this. They are only eating about a third of their normal amount, though they are urinating well. During the high fever, they had a lot of diarrhea from the antibiotics, so we gave them anti-diarrheal medicine. Since then, they haven't had a bowel movement for two days. Is it safe to leave them this lethargic? Their temperature is completely normal now.
Answer:
It is completely understandable to be worried when your 22-month-old child is recovering from tonsillitis and remains so lethargic, even after the fever has broken.
Let's evaluate the current situation. The positive signs are that your child's body temperature is back to normal and they are urinating well. However, the extreme fatigue, a significant decrease in appetite (eating only one-third of their usual amount), and not passing stool for two days are signs that require close attention.
While it is normal for a child to feel fatigued for a few days after battling tonsillitis, lying down all day to this extent indicates that they may need further medical evaluation.
At home, please carefully monitor the following:
• Assess how they react when offered water or drinks.
• See if they show even a brief interest in their favorite toys or shows.
• Check if their lips or tongue are dry, which could indicate dehydration.
Here is what you can do to help them right now:
Hydration: Offer small sips of water or pediatric electrolyte drinks every 10 to 15 minutes.
Comforting Foods: Provide soft, easy-to-eat foods like porridge, yogurt, or fruit puree.
Bowel Movement Support: Gently massage their tummy, offer warm water, and give them probiotics to help resolve the constipation.
⚠️ You should take your child to see a doctor today if:
• They refuse to play at all and continue to lie down continuously.
• They refuse to drink water or seem to have difficulty swallowing.
• Their abdomen feels hard or they express pain when it is touched.
It generally takes 3 to 5 days to fully recover after an illness requiring antibiotics. However, extreme lethargy can sometimes be a sign of dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Because it is impossible to determine the exact cause without a physical examination, please visit your pediatrician for an accurate assessment to ensure your child's safe recovery.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
