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4 year old vomiting and lethargic for 3 days

13 replies

MissJade27 · 01/04/2025 22:56

My just turned 4 year old has been ill since Sunday eve, he seemed a bit off Sunday eve and wouldn't eat much tea, then vomited once Sunday night, also had a fever. He was very lethargic and hardly moved much Monday, fever on and off, had some toast and was sick again on the evening. Today he's been very off colour, just sleeping with a couple of awake periods but very quiet and moaning occasionally like he feels ill. I thought the vomiting was behind us but he had some plain biscuits around 7pm and since then his belly was making a lot of grumbling sounds and he's been passing a lot of smelly wind, then threw up again around 10pm. He doesn't seem to have a fever now but have been giving Paracetamol for pain. He is able to keep fluids down during the day and has been urinating. He just wants to lay down and sleep which is very unlike him. Does this sound like gastroenteritis or could it be something else if still being sick? I've only known it to last a couple of days previously and never seen him so lethargic. Should we be giving him food if he asks or is it not advised if he keeps being sick? Part of me thinks it must be a bug as the gurgling in his stomach sounds like his guts fighting something. Any advice would be appreciated!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MikeWozniaksMohawk · 01/04/2025 23:03

Sounds like the bug that’s been going round near us

Hollebob · 01/04/2025 23:03

Docs first thing!

JoyousEagle · 01/04/2025 23:06

I’d probably call the GP in the morning if he’s still off colour just because the vomiting has lasted longer than I’d normally expect. But I wouldn’t personally be overly worried if he’s keeping down water. It’s probably just a virus that’s knocked him for six - I’d just want a GP to double check.
You say he’s having paracetamol for pain, is that stomach pain? Has he had that all day today and yesterday?

JammyGeorge · 01/04/2025 23:09

When DS2 had rotavirus at 3 years old he vomitted and had diahorrea but the most worrying thing for me was how lethargic he was. He ended up hospitalised and it was the lethargy that got us admitted but in the end I think it was just the virus running its course. The nurse said some kids get very very sleepy with noro/rota so it must be common. I’d keep your eye on him and if you are worried get him checked over but it sounds like a nasty stomach bug to me. His stomach was growling and awful smell. Not sure on advice about giving food sorry, I think if he’s hungry and wanting food I’d give small bits of plain food. Hope he feels better soon.

Hollyhobbi · 01/04/2025 23:11

Ring 111 or whatever the advice line number is. I wish we had that line in Ireland it would save me a lot of worry.

JoyousEagle · 01/04/2025 23:12

JoyousEagle · 01/04/2025 23:06

I’d probably call the GP in the morning if he’s still off colour just because the vomiting has lasted longer than I’d normally expect. But I wouldn’t personally be overly worried if he’s keeping down water. It’s probably just a virus that’s knocked him for six - I’d just want a GP to double check.
You say he’s having paracetamol for pain, is that stomach pain? Has he had that all day today and yesterday?

Oh and I’d give food if he wants it, but I’d stick to plainer things, and small portions.

Thinking about it, my DD once had infrequent vomiting with fever and just sleeping all day for a few days. She needed antibiotics for tonsillitis - the GP thought it was strep A.

BertieBotts · 01/04/2025 23:13

Our GP told us to come in for D&V which lasts more than three days.

I would just give water until they actually ask for food, and then avoid anything too rich. BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, toast) used to be the guideline but it's outdated now I think.

Keep an eye out for dehydration. NHS website has the signs in children.

I think a gurgling tummy just means it's upset - I don't think the stomach really "fights" anything.

Itsawildworld85 · 01/04/2025 23:17

My son once had a bug that lasted over a week sickness and direahea. Deffo get advice from GP. Ours said to avoid any dairy at all, it helped. Hope your ds gets well soon

ToKittyornottoKitty · 01/04/2025 23:20

Phone the GP for advice in the morning. Hopefully he will feel better soon!

MissJade27 · 01/04/2025 23:34

Thanks so much for all the response! We did get him seen today by an advanced nurse who checked him over and said it was likely viral and to keep up with fluids and calpol, just took me by suprise when he was sick again tonight as I've only known it last a couple of days in the past. I thought it was on the way out. I think if he's not improving by morning ill try and get him seen by a gp instead just incase it is a throat issue. He does have some coating on his tongue but I thought that may be due to not eating much. It's a hard age, he seems reluctant to actually tell us where it's hurting him, but he is definitely not himself. Fingers crossed he starts improving soon!

OP posts:
Kirbert2 · 01/04/2025 23:57

Has he had bowel movements as normal during this time?

I'd definitely get him to the GP tomorrow, especially if he is still lethargic.

Itsawildworld85 · 03/04/2025 00:00

Hope he is bit brighter today

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