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What Causes Headache, Sore Throat, Chills, Diarrhea And Nasal Congestion?

Posted on Mon, 21 Nov 2016

Question: Hi, my 12 year old son XXXXXXX started feeling poorly on Sunday last. Tired and headachey. The following day he was able to go to school, but still not feeling well. By late morning he called and wanted to come home with a pounding headache, sore throat, chills and congestion. He slept most the rest of that day. He tried trick or treating that night, but only got down our street before he was chilled and headed home where he fell asleep for the rest of the night. Tuesday morning he got up thinking he was ok. He bathed and got ready for school but then the headache, sore throat and chills kicked in again and I kept him home. Since then, he has also added diarrhea and a very red, painful eye to the mix of symptoms. Also, the last 2 mornings, he wakes up with a strange brown fuzz across his 2 front teeth. It brushes off with some effort, but kind of freaky. I have not taken him in because I feel it is probably viral and I do not want to spread it around worse. What do you think he has and what can I do for him?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like viral or bacterial pharyngitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi...by what you quote i feel that your kid might be having a viral sore throat or a streptococcal infection.

I suggest you see your pediatrician and get a rapid streptococcal antigen test done. If it is positive then she will require antibiotics. if it is negative then it might be viral illness and doesn't require antibiotics at all.

Cough and cold are viral 95% of the times in children.

For cold you can use anti-allergics like cetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do.
Paracetamol can be given in the dose of 15mg/kg/dose (max ceiling dose 500mg) every 4-6th hourly, that too only if fever is more than 100F. I suggest not using combination medicines for fever, especially with Paracetamol.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (7 minutes later)

What about the brown fuzz on his teeth in the morning? I have never had any of my children have this.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload an image of the brown fuzz on teeth

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... please upload the image of the brown fuzz on the teeth which you are quoting, if it is formed again. After seeing the image I will get back to you.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (0 minute later)

I have checked in his mouth. There is no red or white spots or patches anywhere, so I do not think it is Strep. That also does not account for the painful, red eye.

I will take a pic and send it. Thank you.

Also, I have a 6 year old daughter who has also had the headache, sore thoat, and chills, but she has developed blister sores around her mouth with cankers inside the mouth and a large cold sore on her top lip. She says there's a funny taste in her mouth.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Viral illness will explain all these systemic manifestations

Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concern. But actually you are right in thinking about viral illness. But a kid with viral illness usually will be well looking when the fever touches baseline.

I will explain you how viral illness behaves, so that you can be more confident.

Fever of few days without any localizing signs could as well a viral illness. Usually rather than fever, what is more important is the activity of the child, in between 2 fever episodes on the same day. If the kid is active and playing around when there is no fever, it is probably viral illness and it doesn't require antibiotics at all. Once viral fever comes it will there for 4-7 days. So do not worry about duration if the kid is active.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (14 minutes later)

Thank you. your information is helpful and I will continue to care for them at home.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Happy that my suggestions helped you

Detailed Answer:
I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link.

Once the page opens there will be an option below my image as – ASK ME A QUESTION – click on it.

Please find the link below -

www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (15 minutes later)

It has only been 6 hours since my son brushed the brown off his teeth and then he went back to sleep. It is back and I will send pictures.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload the images

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... Please upload the images.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (48 minutes later)

pictures uploaded

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing serious - do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi... I have just seen the images. Some times in viral illness if there is oral mucosal involvement then such thing can happen.

As I suggested keep watch for danger signs of viral illness and if there is any bleeding gums of other systemic manifestations then I suggest you consult his physician.

I suggest you ask him to brush thrice a day too along with warm saline gargles.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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