Vomiting & fever
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Understanding Vomiting and Fever: Causes and Implications
Common Symptoms: Vomiting and Fever
Vomiting and fever are frequent symptoms encountered in both pre-hospital and clinical settings. These symptoms can range from being indicative of minor, self-limiting illnesses to signaling potentially life-threatening conditions1.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is characterized by episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and lethargy that can last from an hour to 10 days. These episodes can lead to significant dehydration and are often accompanied by additional symptoms such as pallor, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, and increased sensitivity to light and sound2 3 4. The recurrent nature of these attacks can severely impact daily activities, making it difficult for affected individuals to attend work or school2 3 4.
Viral Infections and Gastroenteritis
Viral infections, such as those caused by rotavirus and norovirus, are common causes of vomiting and fever. These infections often present with additional symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite. The physiological and behavioral responses to these infections, including fever and vomiting, are orchestrated by the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, to help reduce the spread of the pathogen and increase survival chances9.
Winter Vomiting Disease
Winter vomiting disease, often seen in school outbreaks, is another viral illness characterized by sudden onset vomiting, fever, headache, and abdominal pain. This illness can mimic food poisoning but is typically caused by an airborne virus. Symptoms can last from a few hours to up to two weeks, with relapses being common in some cases6.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS)
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an acute illness caused by the SFTS virus, transmitted primarily through tick bites. It presents with fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The disease has a high mortality rate due to the potential for rapid progression to multiple organ failure8.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
In pediatric cases, fever and vomiting can also be indicative of urinary tract infections (UTIs). For instance, a 3-year-old boy presenting with high fever, chills, malaise, nausea, and vomiting was diagnosed with a UTI based on laboratory findings and urine culture7.
Conclusion
Vomiting and fever are common symptoms with a wide range of potential causes, from viral infections and cyclic vomiting syndrome to more severe conditions like SFTS and UTIs. Proper assessment and timely intervention are crucial to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment, whether it involves home care or hospitalization. Understanding the various conditions associated with these symptoms can aid in better diagnosis and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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