Q: My 7-year-old child vomited and has a fever after a car ride. Is it enteritis or severe indigestion?

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Question:

Hello. My 7-year-old child went on a one-hour round trip by car today. During the ride, they complained of motion sickness and a stomachache. Even long after getting out of the car, my child seemed more lethargic than usual. In the evening, I checked their temperature, and it was fluctuating around 38.3°C.

I gave them some children's digestive syrup and massaged their stomach. I heard gurgling sounds from their belly, so I asked them to sit on the toilet, but they suddenly vomited a large amount (around 7 PM).

There has been no more vomiting since then, but the fever is still persisting around 38.2°C. The only fever reducer I have at home is Dexibuprofen. Should I give it to them? Could this be enteritis or severe indigestion?

Answer:

You must be very worried since your child has a fever and vomited after experiencing motion sickness.

【Current Situation Summary】

• Motion sickness → Vomited once (at 7 PM) → No vomiting since

• Fever persisting around 38.2~38.3°C

• Gurgling sounds in the stomach and appearing more lethargic than usual

【What to Do at Home Now】

• Hydration: Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after vomiting, then give one or two sips of water slowly every 5-10 minutes.

• Fever Reducer: If your child is uncomfortable, you can use Dexibuprofen.

- If you let me know your 7-year-old's weight, I can calculate the exact dosage for you.

- Please also check the concentration (mg/mL) written on the medicine label.

• Light Meal: 2 to 3 hours after the vomiting has stopped, start with small amounts of easily digestible food like rice gruel, porridge, or bananas.

• Rest: Let them lie down in a comfortable position and maintain an appropriate indoor room temperature.

【When to Seek Medical Care Tonight/Tomorrow Morning】

If any of the following occur, visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room immediately:

• Repeated vomiting (unable to keep even water down)

• No urine output for more than 8 hours

• Severe lethargy or difficulty waking the child up

• Abdominal pain that gets worse or hurts when the stomach is touched

• Bloody stool, black stool, or vomit mixed with blood

• Difficulty breathing or bluish lips

【Possibilities】

• There is a possibility of motion sickness combined with mild gastroenteritis (viral) or severe indigestion.

• If the vomiting stops after just one episode and the child stays well-hydrated → it usually improves within 1 to 2 days.

• If the fever lasts for more than 3 days or symptoms worsen → please consult a pediatrician.

Please let me know right away if any new symptoms appear—we will adjust the plan accordingly.

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

https://fevercoach.us