my five year old?

Question

my five year old son went to the hospital because he had blisters in his mouth and buttocks the e.r doctor said it was hands foot in the mouth virus and he did'ent give my son medication because he said it has to heal on its own he told me to buy advil for pain which i did and i do give it to him and the pain in the mouth is still the same he hasen't eaten in three days he only drinks a little i'm very concerned about the eating part has anyone gone throught this with their child?

Answer 1

If he hasn't eaten in that length of time take him to the emergency room. He needs help to keep from starving.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by one of several types of viruses

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is usually characterized by tiny blisters on the inside of the mouth and the palms of the hands, fingers, and soles of the feet. It is commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 (an enterovirus), and less often by other types of viruses.

Anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease

Young children are primarily affected, but it may be seen in adults. Most cases occur in the summer and early fall. Outbreaks may occur among groups of children especially in child care centers or nursery schools. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after exposure.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is usually spread through person-to-person contact

People can spread the disease when they are shedding the virus in their feces. It is also spread by the respiratory tract from mouth or respiratory secretions (such as from saliva on hands or toys). The virus has also been found in the fluid from the skin blisters. The infection is spread most easily during the acute phase/stage of illness when people are feeling ill, but the virus can be spread for several weeks after the onset of infection.

The symptoms are much like a common cold with a rash

The rash appears as blisters or ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue, and as bumps or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes other parts of the skin. The skin rash may last for 7 to 10 days.

There is no specific treatment for the virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease

Help prevent and control the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease by:

Washing hands well, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and/or handling diapers or other stool-soiled material.
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Washing toys and other surfaces that have saliva on them.
Excluding children from child care or school settings if there is a fever, or ulcers in the mouth and the child is drooling.
http://edcp.org/factsheets/handfoot.html

Answer 2

My daughter had the same thing when she was around 3. I've got to say, it was the worst illness she's had (she's six now). It is true, there is nothing they can give the child for it. Just something for the pain. I remember she would wake up from a nap, and just cry from the pain. It was very hard on us. She didn't want to eat or drink. You just have to try to make sure he has enough fluids..keep trying.
Maybe some ice cream.
It didn't last much longer than 4 or 5 days...don't worry, he will get through it...they can go without food for a few days, as long as he drinks.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

I used to work at a day care and we had that spread around. There really isn't anything you can do. It will heal on its own but just keep trying to get him to drink water (you don't want to have to take him to the hospital for dehydration on top of everything else. If he's not eating well you can try getting ensure or some drinks like that to help provide the nutrients he needs until he starts feeling better.

Answer 4

If your son is only taking liquids, give him Pediasure. It is often used as a liquid diet for children who can not take solids and has the nutrients he needs to stay healthy during this difficult illness.

In most grocery stores, the Pediasure is near the formula. Call your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of Pediasure during illness - some do with an acceptable diagnosis from your doctor. If your son is on Medicaid, your doctor may be able to have the Pediasure ordered for you and the Medicaid will pay for it.

Answer 5

My son had it. Before I knew he had it & I didn't know he had the blisters in his mouth - I gave him spaghetti for dinner - poor baby!

Soft bland foods will be the best and as much liquid as you can push.

Answer 6

my sister had the same thing,
all we did was wait until it went away, which took a few days,

too bad it happened at the same time she had a photo shoot.

if your child is not eating for a few days it is OK, as long as he doesn't stop drinking plenty of liquids... watch out for that,

Answer 7

sounds like herpes. Go see another Dr. He didn't tell you what virus it was? Medication can't stop a virus. You really should find out exactly what it is so you can do some research on it.

Answer 8

go to another doctor. three days is a long time for a little one not to eat. he may become dehydrated if he won't take liquids.

Answer 9

Let him have popsicles, ice cream, lemonade....as long as he isn't vomiting and having diarrhea...he'll be fine.