What Causes Fever, Diarrhea And Vomiting While Treating Strep In A Child?

Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 May 2016 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Patient is seven year old boy, with history of vomiting, fever, diarrhea, with bouts of delirium, for three weeks. Was treated for strep before the vomiting etc started.

I am concerned about possible C-diff

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
pseudomembranous colitis sounds likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

having fever and diarrhea after using antibiotics raises suspicions for pseudomembranous colitis by Clostridium difficile. Testing the stool for Cl. difficile toxin is the easiest test to quickly find out. Colonoscopy may provide diagnostic findings.

Delirium suggests pretty serious infection (probably bacteremia) and urgent investigation and treatment is warranted.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar