What should I do in this situation?
My child has a sudden fever… What should I do?
First, please try to stay calm. The appropriate course of action will depend on your child’s condition.
[What You Can Do at Home]
Wrap an ice pack in a towel or gauze and apply it to the large blood vessels in areas such as the back of the neck, under the arms, and the groin. Applying an ice pack directly to the skin can cause frostbite. Cooling sheets rely heavily on evaporative cooling and cooling agents like menthol, so ice packs are more effective.
[Symptoms That Require Medical Attention]
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Does not respond to calls or shows little reaction
- Is having a seizure
- Is breathing abnormally (e.g., breathing heavily with the shoulders)
- Is not able to drink fluids (including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea)
We typically accept appointments online, but if your condition appears to be urgent, please call us at 086-214-1177 to make an appointment or discuss your care.
If the hospital is closed or it is after hours, you can call the [Children’s Medical Hotline (#8000)] to speak with a doctor or nurse on duty.
My child is vomiting. What should I do…?
You may be startled by sudden vomiting, especially at night. While some cases of vomiting are caused by infections and others are not, please take great care when cleaning up vomit to prevent the risk of secondary infection.
[Check for any remaining vomit in the throat or nose]
Lay your child on their side to keep their airway clear. While doing so, please check for any remaining vomit in their throat or nose. Infants, in particular, cannot clear their airways on their own, so be sure to wipe them thoroughly with paper towels or wet wipes. If the vomit cannot be completely removed (e.g., if the child’s breathing is abnormal or they appear to be struggling), turn them onto their stomach with one hand, lower their head, and quickly tap between their shoulder blades (back blows). If the condition does not improve, call an ambulance immediately.
[Avoid eating or drinking immediately]
Eating or drinking right away can irritate the stomach and cause the baby to vomit again. Wait 30 minutes to 2 hours, then give the baby one spoonful of water or an oral rehydration solution (OS-1) every 5 to 15 minutes.
[Precautions for Cleaning Up Soiled Items and Vomit]
If the cause of the vomiting is unclear, please wear disposable gloves, a mask, and an apron when cleaning up to prevent secondary infection among family members.
Spray a 50- to 100-fold dilution of a chlorine-based bleach (such as Kitchen Hyter) over the contaminated items (to be disposed of) and the vomit (Note: Alcohol-based disinfectant sprays may not be effective against infectious diseases such as norovirus). Place items to be disposed of in a plastic bag and tie the opening tightly. For clothing contaminated with vomit, soak it in chlorine-based bleach or disinfect it with boiling water, then wash it separately from other laundry.
[Seek Medical Attention Immediately If]
Vomiting can be physically draining. If your child remains lethargic after the vomiting has subsided, looks pale, or continues to experience severe headaches or abdominal pain, or if you notice any abnormalities—such as blood or greenish substances other than food in the vomit—please seek medical attention immediately. Click here to make an online appointment.
What should I do about my child’s headaches or stomachaches?
What kind of pain is it? A dull ache, a throbbing pain, or a tight, cramping sensation? If the pain is severe, please don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
[When You Should Seek Medical Attention Immediately]
- Complaining of severe pain and thrashing about or appearing lethargic
- Repeatedly vomiting in a forceful, projectile manner
- Exhibiting seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Accompanied by a high fever (do not hesitate, especially if there is a headache and sudden onset of fever)
[If monitoring your pet at home or in a waiting room]
Please keep your pet in a dark, cool, and quiet place and let them rest. To prevent accidents caused by vomiting while sleeping, please have them lie on their side. Although this is a traditional method, research has shown that rubbing the painful area stimulates the nerves in that region, which can help alleviate the pain (gate control). Please comfort your pet with love and care.
[Do Not Use Over-the-Counter Medications Without Consultation]
Using over-the-counter medications without consulting a doctor can irritate your stomach and intestines or even worsen your pain. We recommend that you see a doctor as soon as possible to receive proper treatment and a prescription. If you have already taken any over-the-counter medications, please inform your doctor when you visit.
When should I take my child to the doctor?
If your child seems different from usual or exhibits any unusual symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
- Unable to eat or drink, and has not urinated for more than half a day
- Lethargic, not making eye contact, and unresponsive
- Poor complexion (flushed, sallow, or pale)
- Chest sinks deeply with each breath, breathing heavily with shoulders
- Persistent severe vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes, foaming at the mouth
- Throwing a fit due to severe pain
- Loss of consciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately without hesitation. Even a moment’s delay could lead to irreversible consequences.