Q: My 7-year-old has a fever and gas after indigestion and vomiting. The CRP is slightly high. How long will the fever last?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, 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 child (23 kg) had an upset stomach after eating out a few days ago. We gave them a mild stomach remedy and plum tea, but they ended up vomiting. The next morning, they still felt nauseous and had a fever between 37.8°C and 37.9°C, so we visited the clinic. A blood test showed everything was normal except for a slightly elevated inflammation marker (CRP around 0.98). They received IV fluids, got a prescription, and we came home.

Their temperature returned to normal after dinner, but tonight it went back up to 38.0°C. They are sleeping well, have no diarrhea, and haven't vomited again, but they keep passing gas. How many days does a fever usually last with this level of inflammation? Should we just continue giving the prescribed medicine and observe?

Answer:

Based on your description, your child had one episode of vomiting followed by a mild fever (37.8–38.0°C) for two days, and is currently experiencing gas without diarrhea. This is likely the recovery phase of mild gastroenteritis or severe indigestion.

An inflammation marker (CRP) level of 0.98 is considered only mildly elevated. Since your child is sleeping well and the vomiting and diarrhea are not repeating, the symptoms will mostly likely improve within 2 to 3 days.

Home Care Guidelines:

• Provide fluids frequently in small amounts, along with soft, easily digestible foods (such as rice porridge, bananas, or toast).

• Avoid greasy, heavy, or irritating foods for the next 2 to 3 days.

• If the fever makes your child uncomfortable, you can give Acetaminophen (230–345 mg per dose, which is about 7.5–10.5 mL if using a standard 160mg/5mL children's syrup). This can be given every 4 to 6 hours.

• You may gently warm their stomach with a heating pad to relieve gas pain, but keep the application brief (under 10 minutes).

When to See a Doctor Immediately:

• If vomiting returns or they cannot keep down even small sips of water.

• If there is no urine output for 8 hours or their lips become very dry (signs of dehydration).

• If the fever spikes to 39°C or higher, or lasts for more than 3 days.

• If their stomach becomes hard to the touch or they complain of severe abdominal pain.

• If you notice bloody or black, tarry stools.

Please continue with the prescribed medication as directed. Focus on easy-to-digest meals and adequate hydration, and monitor their temperature, appetite, and bowel movements closely. If any of the warning signs above appear, please visit your pediatrician for a follow-up evaluation.

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