What are the causes of vomiting and diarrhea without fever? Explore the symptoms of norovirus, including food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea, and other underlying health conditions.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Vomiting and Diarrhea: The Symptoms of Norovirus Explained

When it comes to digestive distress, vomiting and diarrhea can be a telltale sign of a variety of underlying health conditions. While these symptoms often occur together, it’s important to understand the potential causes and seek appropriate treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why someone might experience vomiting and diarrhea without fever, with a particular focus on the symptoms of norovirus.

The Viral Culprit: Norovirus Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the “stomach flu,” is one of the leading causes of vomiting and diarrhea without fever. The viruses that most commonly cause this type of infection include norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus. While these viruses can affect people of all ages, the latter three are particularly prevalent in infants and toddlers.

Norovirus, in particular, is a highly contagious virus that spreads through contact with infected stool or vomit. This can happen when someone with the infection doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and then touches surfaces or prepares food for others. In addition to vomiting and watery diarrhea, symptoms of norovirus gastroenteritis may include abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and, on occasion, fever.

Food Poisoning: When Contamination Strikes

Another common cause of vomiting and diarrhea without fever is food poisoning, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Food poisoning is most often caused by bacteria, but it can also be triggered by parasites or viruses. You can get food poisoning by consuming contaminated food, whether at home or in a restaurant, due to improper handling or inadequate cooking.

Several types of bacteria can lead to food poisoning, including E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms of food poisoning can start within hours of consuming the contaminated food and often resolve within a few hours to a few days, usually without the need for special treatment. In addition to vomiting and watery diarrhea, other common symptoms include abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, fever, and, in some cases, bloody diarrhea.

Traveler’s Diarrhea: A Digestive Disruption

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive disorder that’s most often caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria consumed in water or food. This condition is particularly likely to occur when visiting an area with a different climate or sanitation practices than what you’re accustomed to at home. To stay informed, it’s always a good idea to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for any health notices related to the regions you plan to visit.

Traveler’s diarrhea typically resolves within 1 week, with watery diarrhea and cramps being the most common symptoms. However, it can also cause nausea, fever, flatulence, bloating, and tenesmus, which is the urgent need to have a bowel movement.

Stress and Anxiety: The Gut-Brain Connection

Interestingly, research has shown that gastrointestinal function can be heavily influenced by stress and anxiety. These conditions can trigger a range of digestive symptoms, including nausea, constipation, indigestion, and heartburn. The stress hormones released by the body can slow down the motility, or movement, in the stomach and small intestine, while also increasing motility in the large intestine.

Stress and anxiety have also been linked to the development and worsening of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Pregnancy: Hormonal Changes and Digestive Disruption

During pregnancy, the body goes through numerous changes, and vomiting and diarrhea can be a common occurrence. Morning sickness, which is the most common cause of vomiting in pregnancy, is often experienced during the first trimester. Additionally, the hormonal fluctuations and physical changes associated with pregnancy can lead to other digestive issues, such as constipation, heartburn, and nausea.

It’s important to note that while vomiting and diarrhea are common during pregnancy, persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the mother and the developing baby.

Seeking Proper Treatment

Vomiting and diarrhea, whether caused by a viral infection, food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea, or an underlying health condition, can lead to dehydration if left untreated. It’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages. In most cases, rest and proper hydration are the only treatments needed, but in some instances, medical intervention may be necessary, especially if the symptoms are severe or prolonged.

If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent or concerning vomiting and diarrhea, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. By understanding the various potential causes, you can take steps to alleviate your discomfort and maintain your overall health and well-being.

Causes, No Fever, Risks, and Treatment

Having vomiting and diarrhea at the same time typically happens with a viral illness or bacterial infection that affects your digestive system. But these symptoms can occur with other health conditions as well.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms that affect people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to adults.

Most of the time, these two symptoms are the result of a stomach bug or food poisoning, and they resolve within a few days. Getting some rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration is usually the only treatment needed.

Though a virus is usually the culprit, there are other possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea at the same time, such as certain medical conditions and medications.

Vomiting and diarrhea can happen at the same time for a number of reasons.

A stomach virus or bacterial gastrointestinal (GI) infection is the most likely cause in children.

These infections can affect adults as well. But there are a number of other reasons why an adult may experience these symptoms simultaneously, such as drinking too much alcohol or being pregnant.

1. Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection. Viral gastroenteritis is often referred to as the stomach flu, but it’s unrelated to influenza (the flu) and is caused by different viruses.

The viruses that most commonly cause gastroenteritis include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

While all of these viruses can affect people of any age, the latter three are most common in infants and toddlers, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

These viruses are transmitted from person to person by contact with infected stool and vomit. This can happen when a person with the infection doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and then touches surfaces used by other people or prepares food for others.

In addition to vomiting and watery diarrhea, symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• fever, on occasion

Did you know?

There are several types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

One type is known as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). PI-IBS is caused by an infection (usually gastroenteritis).

One large survey, published in 2018, asked thousands of people with IBS about their experiences. Data was collected between 2008 and 2015. Respondents came from countries around the world, with almost half of them being Italian.

The researchers found that infection may have caused IBS in 13.3 percent of respondents. According to the researchers, this statistic was in line with previous surveys, where PI-IBS was reported to comprise 6 to 17 percent of IBS cases.

2. Food poisoning

Food poisoning is an infection of the GI tract. It’s most often caused by bacteria but can also be caused by parasites or viruses.

You can get food poisoning by eating contaminated food. This can happen at home or in restaurants when food is handled incorrectly or not cooked properly.

Several bacteria can cause food poisoning, including:

• E. coli
• Campylobacter
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Staphylococcus aureus

Symptoms of food poisoning can start within hours of eating contaminated food and often resolve within a few hours to a few days. This usually happens without special treatment.

Vomiting and watery diarrhea are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• fever
• bloody diarrhea

3. Traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that’s most often caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria consumed in water or food. It’s most likely to occur when you’re visiting an area with a different climate or sanitation practices than what you’re accustomed to at home.

To see if there’s a health notice for the regions to which you’ve recently traveled, check the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Traveler’s diarrhea generally clears up within 1 week. Watery diarrhea and cramps are the most common symptoms, but traveler’s diarrhea can also cause:

• nausea
• fever
• flatulence (gas)
• bloating
• tenesmus, or the urgent need to have a bowel movement

4. Stress or anxiety

Research shows that gastrointestinal function is influenced by stress, and that stress and anxiety commonly cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• nausea
• constipation
• indigestion
• heartburn

The stress hormones released by your body slow motility, or movement, in your stomach and small intestine. They also trigger an increase in motility in your large intestine.

Stress and anxiety have also been linked to the development and worsening of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

5. Pregnancy

The body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy.

Morning sickness is the most common cause of vomiting in pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. It affects almost 75 percent of pregnant women, usually during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Some people develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting and diarrhea in pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, new food sensitivities, and dietary changes. Prenatal vitamins also cause diarrhea in some people.

These symptoms can also be caused by gastroenteritis, which is common during pregnancy.

6. Overeating or overdrinking

Overindulging in food or drink can cause vomiting and diarrhea along with:

• indigestion
• heartburn
• belching
• a feeling of uncomfortable fullness

The type of food you eat also matters. Eating large amounts of greasy or sugary foods can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Overeating is even more likely to cause these symptoms if you already have a gastrointestinal condition, such as IBS, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The relationship between alcohol and the gut is complex. Some types of alcohol, including sugary drinks, can cause diarrhea by inducing a quicker gut transit time. This decreases digestion, as the gut doesn’t have time to absorb the nutrients or other substances that are rapidly passing through it.

Excessive alcohol use can cause a condition known as alcoholic gastritis, which is an irritation of the stomach lining. Acute gastritis can occur after binge drinking, or gastritis can become chronic in people who drink alcohol regularly.

Gastritis can cause:

• upper abdominal pain or burning
• nausea
• bloating
• regurgitation
• symptoms that improve or worsen after eating, depending on the food

7. Medications

Vomiting and diarrhea are side effects of many medications. Some are more likely to cause these symptoms than others. This can be because of the way the medication works or because they contain additives that irritate the stomach.

Your age, overall health, and other medications can also increase the risk of side effects.

Medications that commonly cause vomiting and diarrhea include:

• certain antibiotics
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin
• chemotherapy drugs
• metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza)

One way antibiotics can cause vomiting and diarrhea is by killing the “good” bacteria that normally lives in your GI tract. This allows bacteria called Clostridioides difficile to become overgrown, which can result in symptoms similar to severe food poisoning.

Taking medication with food can sometimes relieve symptoms. Speak with a doctor about the best way to take your medication.

Vomiting and diarrhea that occur without a fever can be caused by:

• stress and anxiety
• pregnancy
• medications
• consuming too much food or alcohol

Mild cases of viral gastroenteritis can also cause vomiting and diarrhea without fever.

Dehydration is a complication of vomiting and diarrhea, and it occurs when the body loses too much fluid. Dehydration can prevent your cells, tissues, and organs from functioning properly, leading to serious complications, including shock and even death.

Mild dehydration can be treated at home, but severe dehydration requires emergency care in a hospital.

Symptoms of dehydration in babies, toddlers, and children include:

• thirst
• urinating less than usual, or going 3 or more hours without a wet diaper
• dry mouth
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• decreased skin turgor, or elasticity
• lack of energy
• no tears when crying

Symptoms in adults include:

• extreme thirst
• urinating less than usual
• dry mouth
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• decreased skin turgor
• fatigue
• lightheadedness
• dark-colored urine

Most of the time, vomiting and diarrhea will resolve within a few days without treatment. Home remedies and medications can help you manage your symptoms and avoid dehydration.

Home remedies

Here are some ways you can treat vomiting and diarrhea at home to avoid dehydration:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid stress.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.
• Eat saltine crackers.
• Follow the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
• Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar.
• Avoid dairy.
• Avoid caffeine.

Follow this advice if you have babies or toddlers:

• Give your baby smaller feedings more often if needed.
• Give sips of water between formula or solid food.
• Give them an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte.

Medications

There are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available for vomiting and diarrhea. While generally safe for adults, OTC medications should not be taken without first consulting a doctor.

OTC medications include:

• bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)
• loperamide (Imodium)
• antiemetic drugs, such as Dramamine and Gravol, which often contain the ingredient dimenhydrinate

A doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat vomiting and diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, such as food poisoning.

When you’re experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, your aim should be to get some sustenance and avoid dehydration.

If an infection like gastroenteritis is causing your symptoms, start by trying home remedies. In other cases, professional medical care may be required.

For children

Take a child to the doctor if they:

• are vomiting for more than 2 days or have diarrhea for more than 7 days
• are unable to keep fluid down
• are under 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
• are 3 months to 3 years old with a temperature of 102. 2°F (39°C)
• are under 5 years old and appear to have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • dry mucous membranes
  • drowsiness
  • irritability that doesn’t go away when they’re consoled

It’s especially important to contact a doctor about possible dehydration if the child is too young to describe their own symptoms.

When to go to the emergency room

Take a child to the emergency room if they:

• have symptoms of dehydration after using an oral rehydration solution
• have green or yellow vomit, which can be a symptom of small bowel obstruction
• are vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• have blood in their urine or stool
• are too weak to stand

Was this helpful?

For adults

See a doctor if:

• you’re still dehydrated after rehydrating with fluids and an oral hydration solution
• you are vomiting for more than 2 days or have diarrhea for more than 7 days
• your vomit is green or yellow, which can be a symptom of small bowel obstruction
• you’re vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• you have bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding
• you’re unable to keep fluid down

Most of the time, vomiting and diarrhea are due to a stomach bug or food poisoning and clear up on their own within a few days. Getting plenty of fluids and eating a bland diet can help.

Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially in infants and toddlers who are not able to communicate what they’re feeling. Talk with a doctor if you have, or your child has, severe symptoms or symptoms that last more than a few days.

Causes, No Fever, Risks, and Treatment

Having vomiting and diarrhea at the same time typically happens with a viral illness or bacterial infection that affects your digestive system. But these symptoms can occur with other health conditions as well.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms that affect people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to adults.

Most of the time, these two symptoms are the result of a stomach bug or food poisoning, and they resolve within a few days. Getting some rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration is usually the only treatment needed.

Though a virus is usually the culprit, there are other possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea at the same time, such as certain medical conditions and medications.

Vomiting and diarrhea can happen at the same time for a number of reasons.

A stomach virus or bacterial gastrointestinal (GI) infection is the most likely cause in children.

These infections can affect adults as well. But there are a number of other reasons why an adult may experience these symptoms simultaneously, such as drinking too much alcohol or being pregnant.

1. Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection. Viral gastroenteritis is often referred to as the stomach flu, but it’s unrelated to influenza (the flu) and is caused by different viruses.

The viruses that most commonly cause gastroenteritis include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

While all of these viruses can affect people of any age, the latter three are most common in infants and toddlers, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

These viruses are transmitted from person to person by contact with infected stool and vomit. This can happen when a person with the infection doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom and then touches surfaces used by other people or prepares food for others.

In addition to vomiting and watery diarrhea, symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• fever, on occasion

Did you know?

There are several types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

One type is known as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). PI-IBS is caused by an infection (usually gastroenteritis).

One large survey, published in 2018, asked thousands of people with IBS about their experiences. Data was collected between 2008 and 2015. Respondents came from countries around the world, with almost half of them being Italian.

The researchers found that infection may have caused IBS in 13.3 percent of respondents. According to the researchers, this statistic was in line with previous surveys, where PI-IBS was reported to comprise 6 to 17 percent of IBS cases.

2. Food poisoning

Food poisoning is an infection of the GI tract. It’s most often caused by bacteria but can also be caused by parasites or viruses.

You can get food poisoning by eating contaminated food. This can happen at home or in restaurants when food is handled incorrectly or not cooked properly.

Several bacteria can cause food poisoning, including:

• E. coli
• Campylobacter
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Staphylococcus aureus

Symptoms of food poisoning can start within hours of eating contaminated food and often resolve within a few hours to a few days. This usually happens without special treatment.

Vomiting and watery diarrhea are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• nausea
• fever
• bloody diarrhea

3. Traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that’s most often caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria consumed in water or food. It’s most likely to occur when you’re visiting an area with a different climate or sanitation practices than what you’re accustomed to at home.

To see if there’s a health notice for the regions to which you’ve recently traveled, check the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Traveler’s diarrhea generally clears up within 1 week. Watery diarrhea and cramps are the most common symptoms, but traveler’s diarrhea can also cause:

• nausea
• fever
• flatulence (gas)
• bloating
• tenesmus, or the urgent need to have a bowel movement

4. Stress or anxiety

Research shows that gastrointestinal function is influenced by stress, and that stress and anxiety commonly cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• nausea
• constipation
• indigestion
• heartburn

The stress hormones released by your body slow motility, or movement, in your stomach and small intestine. They also trigger an increase in motility in your large intestine.

Stress and anxiety have also been linked to the development and worsening of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

5. Pregnancy

The body goes through numerous changes during pregnancy.

Morning sickness is the most common cause of vomiting in pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. It affects almost 75 percent of pregnant women, usually during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Some people develop hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting.

Vomiting and diarrhea in pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, new food sensitivities, and dietary changes. Prenatal vitamins also cause diarrhea in some people.

These symptoms can also be caused by gastroenteritis, which is common during pregnancy.

6. Overeating or overdrinking

Overindulging in food or drink can cause vomiting and diarrhea along with:

• indigestion
• heartburn
• belching
• a feeling of uncomfortable fullness

The type of food you eat also matters. Eating large amounts of greasy or sugary foods can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Overeating is even more likely to cause these symptoms if you already have a gastrointestinal condition, such as IBS, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The relationship between alcohol and the gut is complex. Some types of alcohol, including sugary drinks, can cause diarrhea by inducing a quicker gut transit time. This decreases digestion, as the gut doesn’t have time to absorb the nutrients or other substances that are rapidly passing through it.

Excessive alcohol use can cause a condition known as alcoholic gastritis, which is an irritation of the stomach lining. Acute gastritis can occur after binge drinking, or gastritis can become chronic in people who drink alcohol regularly.

Gastritis can cause:

• upper abdominal pain or burning
• nausea
• bloating
• regurgitation
• symptoms that improve or worsen after eating, depending on the food

7.

Medications

Vomiting and diarrhea are side effects of many medications. Some are more likely to cause these symptoms than others. This can be because of the way the medication works or because they contain additives that irritate the stomach.

Your age, overall health, and other medications can also increase the risk of side effects.

Medications that commonly cause vomiting and diarrhea include:

• certain antibiotics
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and aspirin
• chemotherapy drugs
• metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza)

One way antibiotics can cause vomiting and diarrhea is by killing the “good” bacteria that normally lives in your GI tract. This allows bacteria called Clostridioides difficile to become overgrown, which can result in symptoms similar to severe food poisoning.

Taking medication with food can sometimes relieve symptoms. Speak with a doctor about the best way to take your medication.

Vomiting and diarrhea that occur without a fever can be caused by:

• stress and anxiety
• pregnancy
• medications
• consuming too much food or alcohol

Mild cases of viral gastroenteritis can also cause vomiting and diarrhea without fever.

Dehydration is a complication of vomiting and diarrhea, and it occurs when the body loses too much fluid. Dehydration can prevent your cells, tissues, and organs from functioning properly, leading to serious complications, including shock and even death.

Mild dehydration can be treated at home, but severe dehydration requires emergency care in a hospital.

Symptoms of dehydration in babies, toddlers, and children include:

• thirst
• urinating less than usual, or going 3 or more hours without a wet diaper
• dry mouth
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• decreased skin turgor, or elasticity
• lack of energy
• no tears when crying

Symptoms in adults include:

• extreme thirst
• urinating less than usual
• dry mouth
• sunken eyes or cheeks
• decreased skin turgor
• fatigue
• lightheadedness
• dark-colored urine

Most of the time, vomiting and diarrhea will resolve within a few days without treatment. Home remedies and medications can help you manage your symptoms and avoid dehydration.

Home remedies

Here are some ways you can treat vomiting and diarrhea at home to avoid dehydration:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid stress.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.
• Eat saltine crackers.
• Follow the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
• Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar.
• Avoid dairy.
• Avoid caffeine.

Follow this advice if you have babies or toddlers:

• Give your baby smaller feedings more often if needed.
• Give sips of water between formula or solid food.
• Give them an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte.

Medications

There are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available for vomiting and diarrhea. While generally safe for adults, OTC medications should not be taken without first consulting a doctor.

OTC medications include:

• bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate)
• loperamide (Imodium)
• antiemetic drugs, such as Dramamine and Gravol, which often contain the ingredient dimenhydrinate

A doctor may recommend antibiotics to treat vomiting and diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, such as food poisoning.

When you’re experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, your aim should be to get some sustenance and avoid dehydration.

If an infection like gastroenteritis is causing your symptoms, start by trying home remedies. In other cases, professional medical care may be required.

For children

Take a child to the doctor if they:

• are vomiting for more than 2 days or have diarrhea for more than 7 days
• are unable to keep fluid down
• are under 3 months old with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
• are 3 months to 3 years old with a temperature of 102. 2°F (39°C)
• are under 5 years old and appear to have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • dry mucous membranes
  • drowsiness
  • irritability that doesn’t go away when they’re consoled

It’s especially important to contact a doctor about possible dehydration if the child is too young to describe their own symptoms.

When to go to the emergency room

Take a child to the emergency room if they:

• have symptoms of dehydration after using an oral rehydration solution
• have green or yellow vomit, which can be a symptom of small bowel obstruction
• are vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• have blood in their urine or stool
• are too weak to stand

Was this helpful?

For adults

See a doctor if:

• you’re still dehydrated after rehydrating with fluids and an oral hydration solution
• you are vomiting for more than 2 days or have diarrhea for more than 7 days
• your vomit is green or yellow, which can be a symptom of small bowel obstruction
• you’re vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
• you have bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding
• you’re unable to keep fluid down

Most of the time, vomiting and diarrhea are due to a stomach bug or food poisoning and clear up on their own within a few days. Getting plenty of fluids and eating a bland diet can help.

Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially in infants and toddlers who are not able to communicate what they’re feeling. Talk with a doctor if you have, or your child has, severe symptoms or symptoms that last more than a few days.

Fever of unknown origin: causes, symptoms, treatment

Content

• 1 Fever of unknown origin: causes, symptoms and treatment
  • 1.1 Fever of unknown origin: causes, symptoms, treatment – article on the LNP website
  • 1.2 What is fever unknown origin?
  • 1.3 Causes of fever of unknown origin
  • 1.4 What are the symptoms of fever of unknown origin?
  • 1.5 How is fever of unknown origin diagnosed?
  • 1.6 Treatment of fever of unknown origin
  • 1.7 Prevention of fever of unknown origin: what you need to know?
    • 1.7.1 Maintain hygiene
    • 1.7.2 Travel restrictions
    • 1.7.3 Boost immunity
    • with maximum accuracy to determine the origin of the fever?
    • 1. 9 Countries affected by fever of unknown origin
    • 1.10 How is fever of unknown origin transmitted?
    • 1.11 Consequences of fever of unknown origin
    • 1.12 How to minimize the risk of contracting fever of unknown origin?
    • 1.13 Related videos:
    • 1.14 Q&A:
      • • 1.14.0.1 What are the signs that I have a fever of unknown origin?
        • 1.14.0.2 What are the causes of fever of unknown origin?
        • 1.14.0.3 How is fever of unknown origin diagnosed?
        • 1.14.0.4 What is the treatment for fever of unknown origin?
        • 1.14.0.5 How can you protect yourself from fever of unknown origin?
        • 1.14.0.6 Can a fever of unknown origin become an epidemic?

  Learn about the causes and symptoms of fever of unknown origin (UNF), treatment and prevention. What to do if you suspect LDL – expert advice and helpful tips.

  Fever is an increase in body temperature above normal. It can be caused by many factors: infections, allergic reactions, psychological stress and other reasons. In this article, we will look at one of the most mysterious forms of fever – of unknown origin.

  This form of fever is very disturbing. In some cases, it is associated with epidemics that can lead to potentially dangerous consequences. In addition, this form of fever is often difficult to diagnose, making it difficult to treat.

  In this article, we will look at several causes of fever of unknown origin, report on its symptoms, which include high body temperature, headache, muscle pain, severe weakness. And also tell about the methods of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

  Fever of unknown origin: causes, symptoms, treatment – article on the LNP website

  Fever of unknown origin is a condition in which the patient experiences an increase in body temperature, the cause of which is unknown.

  The symptoms of this condition may vary from patient to patient, but there are common features including:

  • High body temperature;
  • Headache;
  • Feeling weak and tired;
  • Pain in muscles and joints;

  To find the cause of a fever, doctors do various tests and blood tests. In the treatment, you can use antibiotics, antiviral drugs and other medicines that are aimed at combating the cause of the condition.

  Some causes of fever of unknown origin: Viruses Bacteria Parasites smallpox Tularemia Dungan fever

  It is important to see a doctor at the first sign of a fever of unknown origin, since this condition can lead to complications.

  What is a fever of unknown origin?

  Fever of unknown origin or FDL is an infectious disease that causes high fever and other symptoms, but the cause is unknown. It belongs to the category of diseases that are of concern due to their unknown origin and potential to spread around the world.

  Because LDL causes symptoms similar to other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia, it is difficult to diagnose without a thorough examination. This makes it even more potentially dangerous, as people may have a medical breakdown in determining which infection they have.

  Causes of fever of unknown origin

  Fever of unknown origin can occur for a number of reasons.

  1. Infectious diseases: Fever may be due to an infectious disease such as influenza, dengue, Ebola or AIDS.
  2. Parasitic diseases: Some parasitic diseases, such as malaria, can also cause fever.
  3. Autoimmune diseases: Fever can be caused by autoimmune diseases such as Behçet’s syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus.
  4. Certain medications: Fever may be a side effect of certain medications, such as antibiotics or antifungals.

  Given that a fever of unknown origin can have many causes, careful diagnosis and treatment by specialists in various fields of medicine is necessary.

  What are the symptoms of a fever of unknown origin?

  Fever of unknown origin may present with a variety of symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose and treat.

  • High body temperature: One of the main symptoms is an elevated body temperature, which is difficult to reduce by conventional methods.
  • Weakness and fatigue: Often there is severe weakness, fatigue and feeling unwell, which can last for a long time.
  • Pain in muscles and joints: Pain in the muscles and joints is common, which may be accompanied by swelling and redness.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting: Symptoms of LDL may include diarrhea and vomiting, which may be associated with digestive disorders.
  • Severe headache: Severe headache may occur, which causes discomfort and makes normal activities difficult.
  • Sleep and Appetite Disorder: Fever of unknown origin can also affect a person’s sleep and appetite, causing sleep disturbances and loss of appetite.

  It is necessary to know that the symptoms of LDL can be different and depend on the nature and condition of the disease, so it is important to contact specialists in time for diagnosis and treatment.

  How is fever of unknown origin diagnosed?

  Diagnosis of fever of unknown origin is a set of measures aimed at finding the causes of the disease. In order to determine the cause of the disease, a detailed clinical and epidemiological history of the patient is necessary.

  Bacteriological culture, immunoserological and molecular genetic studies can also be carried out. Infectious disease specialists, virologists, bacteriologists, immunologists, geneticists and other specialists experienced in the treatment of infectious diseases may be involved in determining the cause of the disease.

  • Important! Diagnosis and treatment of fever of unknown origin requires great care and experience of the physician. The patient should definitely consult a specialist immediately after the first symptoms of the disease appear.

  Treatment of fever of unknown origin

  Treatment of fever of unknown origin depends on the patient’s symptoms and condition. One of the main methods is symptomatic treatment aimed at reducing body temperature and combating other manifestations of the disease.

  Fluids and medicines such as paracetamol are used to control fever. It is important to monitor the temperature and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

  In case of severe symptoms such as headache, vomiting, cardiovascular disorders, the doctor may prescribe appropriate therapy.

  An important stage of treatment is maintaining the water-salt balance and the normal functioning of organs.

  In the case of a confirmed diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a more specific treatment aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.

  • Symptomatic treatment aimed at reducing body temperature and combating other manifestations of the disease;
  • Maintenance of water-salt balance and normal functioning of organs;
  • More specific treatment to eliminate the cause of the disease.

  Prevention of fever of unknown origin: what you need to know?

  Maintain good hygiene

  Hygiene is the main way to protect against disease. Washing hands before eating, after going outside, going to the toilet is the basis. You should also keep your clothes and shoes clean. In case of contact with a possible carrier of the disease, measures must be taken to disinfect the body and clothing.

  Travel restrictions

  If you are planning a trip, you need to know which regions have become the epicenter of various epidemics. Before traveling, you should check the official recommendations for your particular destination and, if necessary, get vaccinated. You should also avoid being around large crowds of people.

  Strengthen your immunity

  It is very important to strengthen your immunity. This can be done through a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, physical activity and this treatment. It is also worth following the recommendations of doctors and undergoing regular medical examinations.

  Emergency measures

  In case of symptoms of a fever of unknown origin, contact a medical professional immediately. You should not try to treat yourself, thereby postponing a visit to the doctor. Before going to the doctor, you should avoid contact with other people, especially with young children and the elderly.

  Important to remember

  Know the risks	Before traveling, read the official recommendations for your destination and get vaccinated if necessary.
  Stay hygienic	Wash your hands before eating, after going to the toilet and outside. Keep your clothes and shoes clean.
  Boost your immune system	Proper nutrition, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle will help improve your immune system.
  Seek medical attention in case of symptoms	In case of symptoms of fever of unknown origin, seek medical attention.

  Can the origin of a fever be determined with maximum accuracy?

  Determining the origin of a fever is a difficult task, but modern medical methods provide more accurate and reliable results.

  Some types of infections may have similar symptoms, making them difficult to diagnose. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the origin of fever may depend on the experience and qualifications of the doctor conducting the study.

  In addition, the correct and timely visit to the doctor at the first signs of the disease is of great importance, as this increases the chances for a full and quick diagnosis and treatment.

  Countries affected by fever of unknown origin

  China

  The first cases of unknown fever were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The disease soon spread throughout the country and was also a source of concern for international health organizations.

  Italy

  At the beginning of 2020, Italy was one of the countries that faced the emergence of an unknown fever. The disease known as COVID-19, became massive and led to the closure of borders and the introduction of quarantine.

  Iran

  Iran has also become one of the countries where many cases of unknown fever have been reported. Soon the disease became a pandemic and caused a worldwide crisis.

  • China, Italy and Iran are the top countries affected by the unknown fever in early 2020.

  How is fever of unknown origin transmitted?

  Fever of unknown origin is spread from person to person through droplets of air, close contact with an infected person, or contact with their blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.

  It is also possible to transmit infection through the bites of infected insects, such as mosquitoes, which may carry the virus.

  To prevent transmission, hygiene measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks in public places, and avoiding contact with people who are sick should be followed.

  If you suspect that you have a fever of unknown origin, it is important to seek medical attention and follow all your doctor’s recommendations to avoid infecting others.

  Consequences of a fever of unknown origin

  Unfortunately, a fever of unknown origin can leave serious consequences even after it has been treated.

  • Weakening of the immune system. During the fight against the disease, the body spends a lot of energy, and after it ends, the immune system may remain weakened for a while, which can lead to secondary infections.
  • Violation of the functioning of organs. In some cases, a fever of unknown origin can cause malfunction of organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, which will require long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Post-traumatic stress syndrome. People who have had a severe form of fever may develop post-traumatic stress syndrome, which manifests itself in the form of increased anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and other psychological problems.

  It is important to note that the consequences of a fever of unknown origin can be very diverse and individual in each case. Therefore, if you suspect this disease, you should immediately consult a doctor and follow his recommendations in order to minimize potential health consequences.

  How to minimize the risk of contracting a fever of unknown origin?

  1. Practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Do not touch your face with your hands unnecessarily. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or use disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing.

  2. Avoid contact with other people. Avoid crowded places, close contact with people who are sick or who may be infected without symptoms. If communication is necessary, wear a mask.

  3. Take care of your health. Monitor temperature regularly and pay attention to symptoms. If signs of illness appear, consult a doctor immediately.

  4. Eat only carefully prepared food. Do not eat raw or undercooked foods. Cook meat and fish avoiding contact with other foods.

  5. Follow the news and instructions from local authorities. If cases have been reported in your area, follow recommendations to reduce the risk of infection and limit movement.

  6. Use protective equipment. Wear a mask when in a crowded area or close to sick people. Use gloves and goggles when handling sick or potentially contaminated objects.

  Related videos:

  Q&A:

  What are the signs that I have a fever of unknown origin?

  Initial symptoms may include fever, night sweats, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.

  What are the causes of fever of unknown origin?

  Causes may vary, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, poisons, radiation, etc. But often the exact causes are not established, so such cases become called “of unknown origin.”

  How is fever of unknown origin diagnosed?

  Diagnosis can be difficult and includes laboratory tests to look for viruses, bacteria, or other diseases, as well as a physical examination to look for other symptoms and a physical examination.

  What is the treatment for fever of unknown origin?

  The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the disease and how quickly it was identified. Usually, treatment consists of providing symptomatic help and maintaining the patient’s viability until his body copes with the disease on its own.

  How can you protect yourself from a fever of unknown origin?

  Unfortunately, there is no way to completely protect yourself from this disease, as its causes are unknown. However, common hygiene practices can be followed, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with potentially sick people, and staying in safe areas, especially when traveling to developing countries.

  Can a fever of unknown origin become an epidemic?

  Yes, if the cause of the disease is associated with an infection, then it can spread among people and become an epidemic. However, if the causes are unknown, then such a spread is hardly possible, since the isolation of patients is difficult.

  Rotavirus in a child

  Rotavirus in children: symptoms, treatment, prevention.

  Rotavirus infection is an acute infectious disease with fecal-oral transmission, characterized by lesions of the gastrointestinal tract by the type of gastroenteritis with the development of dehydration (dehydration) syndrome.

  Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age. .In Russia, it is most often recorded in the winter-spring period.

  Causes of infection:

  The causative agent is rotavirus, belongs to the family

  RNA viruses. Types 1-4, 8 and 9 of the virus are considered infectious for humans.

  The source of infection is a person (a patient or a virus shedder). The number of asymptomatic carriers of the virus among children can reach 5-7%. The virus is able to remain viable in the external environment for several months, is stable at low temperatures, and quickly dies when heated.

  In general, in the Russian Federation, the proportion of sick children under 1 year of age is 20.6%, at the age of 1–2 years – 44.7%. By the age of 2, almost every child has at least 1 rotavirus infection and more than 2/3 fall ill again. Given the high contagiousness (infectiousness), it is a common cause of outbreaks in organized groups (kindergarten, school) and hospitals.

  Mechanism of transmission rotavirus – fecal-oral: implemented by food, water and contact-household. Given the extremely high contagiousness of rotavirus and the resistance of the pathogen to household chemicals, even very strict hygiene measures (including washing hands after each contact with the patient) can often be ineffective. The incubation period is only a few days – on average from 1 to 3 days.

  Clinical picture

  The main symptoms of rotavirus gastroenteritis are general intoxication (fever, lethargy, vomiting, headache) and changes in the gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, frequent loose watery stools. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is characterized by two variants of the onset of the disease: acute (about 90% of patients), when all the main symptoms appear on the 1st day of the disease, and subacute, when 1-2 symptoms (usually abdominal pain and intoxication) for 2-3 days diseases are joined by diarrhea, vomiting, fever.

  General infectious syndrome.
  Most cases of rotavirus infection begin acutely with a rise in temperature to febrile numbers (38.0 degrees) or even hyperthermia, but the duration of fever, despite its severity, rarely exceeds 2-4 days. Fever is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication: weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite up to the development of anorexia and adynamia in severe forms of the disease. In older children with mild forms, the disease can occur against the background of subfebrile temperature with moderate symptoms of intoxication or their absence.

  Syndrome of local changes (gastritis, gastroenteritis and/or enteritis). One of the first, and often the leading manifestation of rotavirus infection, is vomiting. It can occur simultaneously with diarrhea or precede it, be repeated or repeated in nature for 1-2 days. The gastrointestinal tract is affected by the type of gastroenteritis or (less often) enteritis. Diarrheal syndrome in rotavirus infection is one of the most important and persistent manifestations, in some cases determining the clinical picture of the disease. The chair is plentiful, watery, frothy, yellow in color, without visible pathological impurities, or with a small amount of clear mucus, sometimes there is a characteristic sour smell of stools. The frequency of stools on average does not exceed 4-5 times a day, but in young children it can reach 15-20 times. The duration of diarrhea on average ranges from 3 to 7 days, but it can persist for a longer time (up to 10-14 days, more often in young children). Rotavirus infection is characterized by a combination of diarrhea with flatulence, which is most pronounced in children of the first year of life. Painful abdominal syndrome with rotavirus infection appears at the onset of the disease. Abdominal pains of varying severity may be diffuse or localized in the upper abdomen, and there may also be episodes of cramping pains.

  Dehydration syndrome. The severity of the course of rotavirus gastroenteritis is determined by the amount of pathological fluid loss with vomiting and diarrhea and the development of exsicosis (dehydration) I-II, less often II-III degree. The degree of exicosis in patients depends not only on the severity of pathological losses of fluid and electrolytes, but also on the adequacy of the ongoing rehydration therapy (adequate fluid replacement). The following signs signal the development of dehydration: constant thirst, sunken eyes and a large fontanel, dry skin, sclera and mucous membranes. The skin becomes earthy-gray, the lips become bright and dry, the skin turgor decreases, and the amount of urine decreases. The most dangerous condition is the stage of dehydration, in which thirst is replaced by a complete refusal to drink and there is a pronounced decrease in urination up to its complete absence.

  Syndrome of catarrhal changes. In 60-70% of patients with rotavirus infection, upper respiratory catarrh occurs, which may precede bowel dysfunction. It is characterized by moderate hyperemia and graininess of the posterior pharyngeal wall, soft palate and palatine arches, nasal congestion, coughing. However, the presence of catarrhal phenomena in some cases may be due to a concomitant respiratory viral infection, especially during the period of a seasonal increase in the incidence.

  Extraintestinal complications:

  – dehydration

  – secondary infection

  – possible development of seizures

  – improper water regimen RVGE can cause cerebral edema, DIC, acute renal failure and other life-threatening conditions

  The most disturbing signs! (Need to call SMP )

  – severe weakness and lethargy, almost constant sleep, or vice versa, incessant anxiety

  – incessant vomiting

  – the inability to drink the child

  – no urination or very rare concentrated urine

  – in children under one year old – retraction of the fontanel

  – blood in the stool

  Disease prognosis:

  The prognosis of the disease with adequate hydration is usually favorable, the duration of the disease rarely exceeds 5-7 days. After a history of rotavirus gastroenteritis, a child may become re-infected due to seasonal changes in circulating rotavirus serotypes, but a history of natural infection may reduce the severity of subsequent infections.

  Diagnosis:

  ELISA feces and OKI test (also includes PCR testing for other types of viruses that cause acute intestinal infections, salmonellosis and dysentery)

  First aid:

  – Abundant fractional drink. For this, it is preferable to use specialized saline solutions – Regidron, Regidron – Bio. In the first hours, in order not to provoke vomiting, you can give 1 tsp. or st.l. every 5 – 10 minutes.

  IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER! For a day, depending on age, the child should drink at least 1 – 1.5 liters of water. Therefore, especially in the first knocks of the child, you SHOULD continue to drink in a dream, controlling that the child does not choke.

  – Place a small child on its side so that in the event of an attack of vomiting, it does not choke on vomit.

  – Antipyretics – only if the temperature is above 38.5.

  – the first 3 hours after vomiting do not feed, then in small portions.

  Breastfeeding must continue!

  – In the acute period, for the accelerated normalization of stool and removal of the virus from the body, astringent and adsorbing substances are used (carbolene, polyphepan, smecta, enterosgel, etc.)

  Diet:

  In the treatment of intestinal infections that provoke the development of fermentopathy, special attention is paid to the diet. Since during the development of the pathological process the activity of a number of digestive enzymes, in particular lactase, is disrupted, during the acute period of the disease, whole milk and dairy products should be excluded from the child’s diet and the intake of foods rich in carbohydrates (sweet fruits, fruit juices, pastries, legumes) should be limited. culture). Also, in the acute period of the disease, it is not allowed to feed children with meat, broths, meat products, fatty and fried foods. Food is given to a sick child often, in small portions. The list of allowed products includes mucous porridges, vegetable purees and soups, white crackers and baked apples.

  Breastfeeding in the presence of an intestinal infection is not stopped, since breast milk contains antibodies that neutralize rotavirus and immunoglobulins that facilitate the course of the disease.

  Common errors:

  – Giving antibiotics. In this case, the culprit is a virus and any antibiotic is completely powerless against it. It will not bring any benefit, only increase the likelihood of complications.

  – with profuse diarrhea, the use of any antidiarrheal drugs such as loperamide (without consulting a doctor). Their intake can increase intoxication, lengthen the recovery period.

  Prophylaxis:

  There is specific prevention against rotavirus – vaccination

  Vaccination (Rotatec).