Baby vomiting after feeding solids
Vomiting in babies | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
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From birth to 12 months, babies are known to vomit — it’s just one of their design features. However, as normal as vomiting is, it can also be worrying for parents. Occasionally, vomiting can be a sign of illness or complications, but for most babies, vomiting and reflux occurs simply because their guts are still developing.
What are the different types of vomiting
There are a few different types of vomiting and although the result is the same, the reasons are different:
- Possetting is the name for small amounts of milk brought up after a feed.
- Reflux happens when the valve at the top of a baby’s stomach is not tight enough to keep milk in there. A baby’s oesophagus (food pipe) is short, so when the valve opens and there’s only a short distance between it and their mouth, vomiting can occur.
- Projectile vomiting is vomiting with force. Projectile vomiting can be a symptom of a blockage at the outlet of a baby's stomach. If it's happening after most or all feeds, take your baby to a doctor.
What causes babies to vomit?
Generally, mild vomiting occurs because a young baby is still getting used to feeding on, digesting and eliminating milk. On average, a newborn baby’s stomach can hold around 20 millilitres, so it doesn’t take much milk for them to fill up and vomit the excess.
How can I tell if my baby is sick?
Vomiting by itself can be reassuring. However, if your baby has a temperature, is not feeding well, has diarrhoea or a rash, or experiences any other symptoms, your baby needs to see a doctor. If your baby seems healthy and well and is bright and alert, you may just want to monitor their vomiting to see when and how often it happens — but note that the amount that a baby vomits can be hard to work out and may seem larger than it really is.
What’s the difference between vomiting and reflux?
Vomiting caused by reflux generally occurs after feeding. It can seem effortless or cause pain. Some babies with reflux constantly 'spill' after and in-between their feeds. It’s important to think about how your baby’s vomiting affects them. If your baby seems happy, is thriving and gaining weight, you could simply try changing the frequency and amount of feeds you give them. If your baby seems to be in pain and/or not thriving, take them to a doctor. Sometimes medication is necessary for reflux.
Does breast or formula feeding cause more vomiting?
Breastfed babies can vomit as much as babies who are formula fed. There's no real difference between the two. Generally, the only difference is that feeding on formula makes a baby’s vomit smell and look different to that after feeding on breastmilk.
Can solids cause vomiting?
Some babies take time to adjust to digesting solid foods. They can vomit more when solids are introduced. This can occur because of overfeeding. Their stomachs are simply too small to accommodate extra volume. Start small when introducing solids — around 1-2 teaspoons of solids are ideal.
Is vomiting a sign of allergies?
Some allergies can cause vomiting, especially allergies to cow's milk. Your baby can react to particular foods or ingredients if they’re sensitive to them. Your doctor can help guide you to decide which foods are best for your baby.
How can I treat my vomiting baby?
Most babies recover quickly after vomiting and don't need any specialised care. They can seem hungry again straight away or take a while to want to feed again. However, if they vomit a lot and have other symptoms, a doctor needs to assess them.
Generally, babies are not given medication for vomiting unless they can’t keep any milk or fluids down. Dehydration is generally managed by giving intravenous fluids.
Sometimes changing feeding positions and frequency can reduce the likelihood of vomiting. It's still important to always follow the safe sleeping guidelines when settling your baby, even if they vomit. Back sleeping is protective against choking.
When should you see a doctor?
You should take your baby to see your doctor if:
- you are concerned about your baby's vomiting
- your baby is showing other signs of illness
- your baby seems lethargic, sleepy and not interested in feeding
- your baby is losing weight and not thriving
- there is blood or bile in their vomit
- their vomiting isn’t stopping or getting worse
Sources:
Raising Children (Vomiting), Red Nose Australia (Will baby choke if he/she vomits while sleeping on the back?), Safer Care Victoria (Vomiting in neonates), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (The vomiting child)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: September 2022
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Related pages
- Vomiting in children
- Reflux
- How to know when your baby is well - video
- Knowing your baby is well - podcast
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Baby Vomiting After Introducing Solids?
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Written by Jo Charnock
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Written by Jo Charnock
On this Page:
- Types Of Baby Vomiting
- Causes Of A Baby Vomiting
- Other Symptoms To Look Out For
- Treatment For Your Baby Vomiting
- Reducing Reflux Vomiting
- Signs That Baby May Be Allergic To Foods
- When To See Your Doctor
- Things To Remember
Is your baby vomiting after eating? Is it happening after introducing solids? Are you concerned? Don’t worry, we’ve gathered some helpful advice for you here!
Vomiting in young babies and small children is very common. This is especially true in the early weeks of introducing solids and new foods (so around 4 months old), and as their small bodies develop. A baby vomiting may seem quite scary at first, but if your baby is generally happy and healthy then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Vomiting can be a symptom of many different minor illnesses in babies, but it’s usually nothing serious, and they normally recover quickly. The amount of vomit can look like a lot, too much to come out of your little one, but remember it’s only what went in that’s coming out!
Types Of Baby Vomiting
There are three different types of baby vomiting which include the following:
- ‘Posetting’– is when your baby brings up small quantities of milk or food after a feed. Its not really vomiting as it’s normally a gentle, burp-like movement, which causes your baby no stress.
- ‘Reflux’– occurs when food backs up the food pipe, or oesophagus, from your baby’s stomach. This will cause your baby to vomit gently, or spit the food up. Reflux is rarely a problem and your baby should grow out of it by the time they are around 18 months old.
- ‘Projectile’– is when your baby is vomiting in a more forceful way rather than just bringing up small quantities of food. A baby vomiting is quite natural and can be caused by simple things like car sickness, indigestion or even something as simple as crying too much. A baby vomiting may seem scary for both you and your baby, but rest assured, it is very normal. But if your baby is projectile vomiting after every meal then we recommend consulting your doctor.
Causes Of A Baby Vomiting
A baby vomiting is often the sign of a minor illness or infection. It can be caused by:
- a minor infection like the common cold,
- a dose of ‘gastro’ or gastroenteritis, which is very common,
- car or motion sickness caused by travelling in a moving vehicle.
More serious illnesses that can cause your baby to vomit can include the following:
- urinary tract infections,
- ear infections,
- appendicitis,
- meningitis,
- food allergies.
If your baby’s vomiting is accompanied by fever or diarrhoea, it’s usually a sign of a virus infection. Plus if your baby is vomiting for more than 12 hours then dehydration will be a major concern. If your baby is showing these signs then it’s time to see your doctor.
Other Symptoms To Look Out For:
Keeping in mind that vomiting in babies is normal and mostly no cause for real concern, you should be on the look out for the following symptoms:
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- stomach or abdominal pain
- dehydration
- lethargy
- weight loss
While not all are a cause for any immediate action, it is important to take note, and be aware if the symptoms improve or get worse.
Treatment For Your Baby Vomiting
While a baby vomiting can be a very unpleasant experience for both you and your baby, they usually recover quickly. Vomiting can be easily treated with rest, lots of fluids and plenty of reassurance and comfort. To prevent dehydration, liquids should be given little and often. Checking your baby’s nappy will give you a good indication; if it’s drier than normal then your baby is not drinking enough.
Don’t give your baby over the counter medicine or any medication that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
Reducing Reflux Vomiting
While reflux vomiting is normal for young babies, the following tips may help to reduce his or her discomfort:
- switching to anti-colic teats and bottles
- holding and feeding your baby in an upright position,
- trying smaller and more frequent feedings,
- avoid bouncing or getting your baby excited after feeding,
- trying thicker foods like cereals,
- giving your baby milk or water after feeding to reduce acid and indigestion,
- make sure feeding time is a quiet time with no outside stimulation.
Signs That Baby May Be Allergic To Foods
Food allergies may cause vomiting, but are often accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhoea and skin rashes or hives. Keeping a record of what you are feeding your young baby when introducing solids is recommended. If you suspect a food allergy you can consult your doctor about what may be the cause. Foods generally associated with food allergies include eggs, wheat, nuts, some berries, milk, fish and seafood. Most of these you should avoid feeding your baby until they are at least 12 months old.
When To See Your Doctor
While we’ve mentioned that a baby vomiting is normal and children will mostly get over vomiting very quickly, there will be times when you need to consult your doctor or health worker. It’s time to see your doctor when any of the following symptoms occur:
- your baby has been vomiting for more than 12 hours,
- there is blood or bile in the vomit,
- your baby is not gaining weight,
- there are signs your baby has stomach pain or a swollen abdomen,
- your baby has persistent indigestion or heartburn,
- your baby seems generally unwell.
Use your instincts, if your baby is showing signs or symptoms of being unwell, go and see your doctor.
Things to Remember
In general, symptoms found in babies are similar to those found in adults, so you don’t need to panic every time your baby throws up. Vomiting can lead to diarrhoea, fever, and sometimes abdominal cramps. However, the symptoms can be easily treated by allowing some time to rest, lots of rehydration and maybe some soft foods.
Please keep the following in mind:
- mild vomiting is normal in most babies and improves over time,
- most babies need simple treatment, or none at all,
- having an upright feeding position may help,
- never give any medication unless prescribed by your doctor,
- after vomiting, try to give your baby a small amount of liquid or a little food,
- if your child seems unwell or shows any worrying symptoms, see a doctor!
Important
You shouldn’t use over-the-counter medications to stop vomiting in children. The side effects of these medications can be very serious. Sometimes doctors prescribe medications to stop vomiting, but they do this only after a proper medical review.
Hopefully, this has helped to shed some light about the causes of a baby vomiting
Read more about our Homemade baby food recipes.
Need some more info about introducing solids to bub? Download your free Guide here!
Any questions or comments? sound off below 🙂
References
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
The Raising Children
Better Health Channel - Victoria State Goverment
Tagged in
- Starting solids
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Viral gastroenteritis (children)
Most cases of diarrhea and vomiting in children are caused by a virus. This is viral gastroenteritis. Many people call it "stomach flu" but it has nothing to do with the flu. This virus infects the stomach and intestinal tract. The disease lasts from 2 to 7 days. Diarrhea means loose or watery stools that are different from a baby's normal bowel movements.
The child may also have the following symptoms:
The main danger of this disease is that it leads to dehydration. This is the loss of a large amount of water and mineral salts by the body. In such cases, fluid loss by the body must be replenished. It's done oral rehydration solution. These solutions are available from pharmacies and most grocery stores without a prescription.
Antibiotics do not help with this illness.
Home Care
Follow your pediatrician's instructions.
If you give medicine to your child:
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Do not use over-the-counter diarrhea medications unless your doctor tells you to.
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Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain and fever. Or another medicine as prescribed.
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Aspirin as an antipyretic is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age. Its use can lead to serious liver problems and a life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome.
To prevent the spread of disease:
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Remember that washing your hands with soap and clean running water or using an alcohol-based disinfectant is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.
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Teach all family members when and how to wash their hands. Wet your hands with clean running water. Apply soap to the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need a timer, try singing "Happy Birthday to You!" twice. from the beginning to the end. Rinse your hands well and dry with a clean towel.
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Wash your hands before and after caring for your sick child.
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Clean the toilet after each use.
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Dispose of soiled diapers in an airtight container.
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Keep the child away from other people until the doctor says so.
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Wash your hands before and after preparing food.
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Wash hands and utensils after using cutting boards, countertops and knives that have been in contact with raw food.
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Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
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Please note that people with diarrhea or vomiting should not prepare food for others.
How to properly water and feed
The main goal in the treatment of vomiting or diarrhea is to prevent dehydration. To do this, the child should often consume liquids in small portions.
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Fluid is now more important than food. Give a small amount of liquid at a time, especially if the child has stomach cramps or is vomiting.
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For diarrhea: If you are giving milk to a baby and the diarrhea does not stop, refuse the milk. In some cases, milk can make diarrhea worse. If this happens, use an oral rehydration solution. Eliminate apple juice, soda, sports or other sweetened drinks. Drinks with sugar can make diarrhea worse.
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For vomiting: Start with oral rehydration solution at room temperature. Give 1 teaspoon (5 ml) every 5 minutes. Even if the child is vomiting, continue to give the solution. Most of the fluid will be absorbed despite vomiting. After 2 hours without vomiting, start with a small amount of milk or formula and other fluids. Increase the amount depending on tolerance. Do not give your child plain water, milk, formula, or other liquids until the vomiting stops. Give more oral rehydration solution as vomiting decreases. Increase the interval between doses. Continue until the child has urine and is no longer thirsty (no interest in drinking). If there has been no vomiting within 4 hours, resume feeding solid food. After 24 hours without vomiting, resume normal eating.
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As you feel better, you can gradually resume your child's normal diet. Don't force your child to eat, especially if they have stomach pain or cramps. Do not feed your baby large portions at a time, even if he is hungry. Tobacco smoke can make a child feel worse. Over time, the child can be given more food, provided it is tolerated. Foods that are allowed include cereals, mashed potatoes, applesauce, mashed bananas, crackers, dry toast, rice, oatmeal, bread, noodles, pretzel, rice or noodle soups, and cooked vegetables.
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If symptoms return, return to a simple or no therapeutic diet.
Postoperative care
See your pediatrician or follow his instructions. If a stool or culture test is taken, see your doctor for results as directed.
Call 911
Call 911 if your child has any of these symptoms:
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Labored breathing
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Confusion
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Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
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Trouble walking
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Rapid pulse
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Chest pains
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Neck stiffness
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Convulsions
When to seek medical help
Seek immediate medical attention in the following cases:
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Abdominal pain worse
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Constant pain in the right lower abdomen
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Recurrent vomiting after first 2 hours of fluid intake
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Episodic vomiting for more than 24 hours
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Continuous severe diarrhea for more than 24 hours
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Blood in stool or vomit
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Child drinks less liquid than usual
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Darkening or no urine within 6 to 8 hours in older children, 4 to 6 hours in toddlers
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Whims or crying when the child cannot be soothed
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Unusual drowsiness
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New skin eruptions
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Diarrhea lasting more than 10 days
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Temperature (see Temperature and children below)
Temperature in children
Use a digital thermometer to take your baby's temperature. Never use a mercury thermometer. There are various types and ways of using digital thermometers. For example:
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Rectal. For children under 3 years of age, rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Frontal (temporal). It is used for children aged 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months of age has signs of illness, this method can be used for the first measurement. The doctor may also check the rectal temperature for confirmation.
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Ear (tympanic). The ear method is accurate for children 6 months and older, but not younger.
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Axillary (axillary). This is the least reliable method, but can be used for the first measurement to test a child of any age who is showing signs of illness. The doctor may also check the rectal temperature for confirmation.
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Oral (oral). Do not take oral temperature until the child is 4 years old.
Use the rectal thermometer with care. For correct use, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Insert it carefully. Make a note on it and make sure it will not be used orally. It can carry germs from the stool. If a rectal thermometer doesn't work for you, ask your doctor which thermometer is best to use. When you tell a doctor about your child's temperature, tell him what type of thermometer you took it with.
Here are some tips to help you know if your baby has a fever. Your child's doctor may give you other values. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Temperature values for infants up to 3 months:
-
Rectal or forehead thermometer: 38°C (100. 4°F) or higher
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Underarm thermometer: temperature 37.2 °C (99 °F) or higher
Temperature readings for children aged 3 to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal, forehead or ear thermometer: temperature 38.9°C (102°F) or higher
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Axillary thermometer: temperature 38.3 °C (101 °F) or higher
Call a doctor in the following cases:
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Recurrent fever of 40°C (104°F) or more in a child of any age
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Temperature 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in an infant under 3 months
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Temperature lasting more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years of age
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Temperature that persists for 3 days in a child 2 years of age or older
© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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Child vomiting | Onni
What is vomiting?
Vomiting is a very common symptom in children. Vomiting can be caused by many different factors, but the most common cause of sudden vomiting in children is viral gastroenteritis. Vomiting from viral gastroenteritis usually goes away after a couple of days, and diarrhea usually lasts longer.
Babies often spit up small amounts of food after feeding, this is known as reflux. This happens without any effort, unlike vomiting, in which there is a strong contraction of the stomach to expel its contents. Babies are especially at risk of dehydration during vomiting. They may not be able to take in enough fluid to make up for the loss during vomiting.
What are the symptoms of vomiting in children?
Vomiting in children is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhoea. Let your child's doctor know about any symptoms your child may be experiencing along with vomiting - this can help in making an accurate diagnosis. Some other symptoms that may occur with vomiting in children are:
- nausea (feeling like you are about to vomit)
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- fever
- headache
- cough or trouble breathing
When should I take my child to the doctor?
Sometimes children may vomit so violently that the contents of the stomach are thrown over a meter away. A child who vomits in this way should be taken immediately to a hospital emergency room or an ambulance should be called.
Also, if the child is vomiting and any of the following conditions, he/she also needs urgent medical attention:
- swollen or painful abdomen
- neck stiffness - with or without photophobia (pain when looking at bright lights)
- high fever
- blood in vomit or stool (feces)
- green vomit
- early morning vomiting
- bulging fontanel child
- vomiting that does not stop
- child cannot drink
- signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, darker urine or dry lips and mouth
Babies under 6 months old should always be seen by a doctor if they have gastroenteritis.
What causes vomiting in children?
Some causes of vomiting in children are usually harmless, but some causes are potentially life-threatening. Some of them are short-term problems, while others cause constant or intermittent vomiting.
Causes of vomiting in children include:
- Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is caused by an infection in the digestive system. This infection is usually viral, but sometimes bacterial. These infections are easily passed between people, especially children. Gastroenteritis causes vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Children and infants are more susceptible to dehydration due to gastroenteritis, and children under 6 months of age should be seen by a doctor immediately if they develop gastroenteritis.
Rotavirus is one of the common causes of severe gastroenteritis in children, but vaccination can protect against it. Especially dangerous in terms of the risk of infection with rotavirus is swimming in the resorts of the Black Sea, where wastewater treatment systems practically do not function in cities. Older children are more likely to develop gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, known as "winter vomiting".
- Food poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by microbes growing in food that has been poorly prepared or stored in improper conditions. The symptoms of food poisoning are the same as those of gastroenteritis, but are usually more severe. Again, infants and young children are more at risk of dehydration than older children and care should be taken to ensure they remain well hydrated.
- Poisoning
Poisoning is most common in young children, who often recognize objects and substances by putting them in their mouths. Many household items are poisonous if swallowed. Symptoms of chemical poisoning include nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, convulsions, and difficulty breathing.
If you think your child has ingested a poisonous substance or accidentally overdosed on medication or vitamins, call 911 immediately. Do not try to make your child vomit unless directed by a doctor.
- Urinary tract infections
Vomiting may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. They often occur in young children. Symptoms of a UTI in children are often vague, but may include fever, fatigue, irritability, pain when urinating, less urine than usual, and urine that smells bad.
- Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If you think your child may have appendicitis, you should take him to the doctor or hospital immediately. A ruptured appendix can lead to a life-threatening infection in the abdomen.
Appendicitis causes dull, diffuse pain around the navel, which then moves to the lower right side of the abdomen and becomes more acute. A child with appendicitis may complain of increased abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, discomfort when sitting or standing up, and pain when moving. Also, children can maintain one position for a long time, trying to avoid movements that cause pain.
- Intussusception
This occurs when part of the intestine is screwed into the neighboring part of the intestine like a telescope. This is a serious condition that often causes bowel obstruction and prevents normal food or fluid intake. This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. Children with intussusception may have intermittent severe pain that causes crying. They may have bleeding from the intestines, vomiting, they can be very lethargic - constantly or in attacks. In the intervals between attacks, the child may appear relatively healthy, which should not mislead parents.
- Bowel obstruction
This is an emergency that requires immediate surgery. More common in newborns. The child may have vomiting and bloating. The vomit may be dyed green from bile. Intestinal obstruction in older children may be due to intussusception.
- Pyloric stenosis
Narrowing of the valve between the stomach and small intestine prevents food from entering the small intestine. This condition is more common in very young babies, mostly between the ages of 2 and 6 weeks. It causes vomiting (which can be profuse) shortly after a feed, as well as weight loss or no weight gain. The baby will still be hungry after feeding. The vomiting will continue and become more violent. If your child is vomiting that does not stop, you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Increased intracranial pressure
Increased intracranial pressure is a medical emergency and may cause headache and vomiting on waking or when a child wakes up from sleep. This can cause uncontrollable violent vomiting. This condition can be caused by a head injury, a tumor, or meningitis.
- Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, usually as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. This is a rare but very serious disease that can quickly lead to death.
Meningitis can cause symptoms such as vomiting, fever, headache, neck stiffness, and avoidance of bright light (photophobia). There may be a skin rash consisting of small red or purple spots that do not turn white when pressed. Babies can be irritable and squawk. They may arch their back or tilt their head back. The baby's fontanel (the soft spot on top of the head) may be swollen and bulging.
If an infant or child has symptoms of meningitis, you should call 911 immediately.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is sometimes the first sign that a child has diabetes. It occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to use the glucose (sugar) in the blood for fuel. The body then turns to its fat stores for energy. This process produces ketones as a by-product. Unfortunately, ketones make the blood too acidic (ketoacidosis).
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include dehydration, vomiting, rapid breathing, fatigue, and confusion. You may notice that your child is more thirsty than usual and urinates more frequently (pees more often).
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.
- Food allergies
Food allergies are more common in the first year of life when a new food is introduced to the child. Cow's milk allergy is an example of a food allergy that can cause children to vomit. One in 50 babies is allergic to cow's milk. Most of them will outgrow it by the time they are 3 to 5 years old.
Symptoms include hives, vomiting and diarrhea, swelling of the lips, face or eyes, and abdominal pain. These symptoms develop from a few minutes to 2 hours after the baby drinks milk. If the allergic reaction is severe, the child may have anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, wheezing, and collapse. In this condition, you must immediately call an ambulance.
- Seasickness
Seasickness is more common in older children than in infants. It can be triggered by car, train or plane rides, as well as virtual reality games and amusement park rides.
- COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 in children include cough, fever, runny nose, and upset stomach symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. So far, children are less likely to contract COVID-19 than adults, and if they do, they tend to have milder symptoms.
How is vomiting diagnosed in children?
The doctor will ask how long your child has been vomiting. Was the vomiting sudden or did it last for a while? The doctor will examine the child and evaluate if there are any signs of dehydration.
Tests that can help determine the cause of vomiting include:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- x-ray
- ultrasound
- spinal tap
If vomiting continues for a while, your doctor may suggest referring your child to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist, allergist, or neurologist.
How is vomiting treated in children?
Most vomiting episodes in children are caused by viral gastroenteritis and can be treated at home if the child is not dehydrated or is older than 6 months. Children under 6 months of age with gastroenteritis should always be seen by a doctor.
How to care for a child with viral gastroenteritis at home?
If the cause of vomiting is gastroenteritis or food poisoning, the focus should be on keeping your child hydrated and replenishing any lost minerals and salts with oral rehydration solutions available from pharmacies. In most cases, these episodes resolve without any specific treatment.
Vomiting due to viral gastroenteritis usually resolves in 1-2 days, and diarrhea lasts longer.
Consider the following if you are caring for an infant or child who is vomiting due to gastroenteritis at home:
- Breastfed babies older than 6 months should continue to breastfeed, but more frequently. If they vomit, offer them a drink after each time. You can also offer them an oral rehydration solution or water for the first 12 hours.
- Formula-fed infants should replace formula with oral rehydration solution or water for the first 12 hours, then they may receive regular formula in small amounts, more frequently than regular feeds. If they vomit, they should be offered a drink after each time.
- For older children, give small amounts of clear liquid to drink frequently, about every 15 minutes.
- Oral rehydration solutions are highly recommended for any child with frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
- Oral rehydration solution can be chilled or made into ice cubes for a child to suck on if they do not want to drink it.
- Do not give your child undiluted drinks that are high in sugar, such as sports drinks, lemonade, or liqueurs, which can make diarrhea or dehydration worse.
- Children with gastroenteritis may refuse solid foods, but it is good for them to return to their normal diet as soon as possible, unless they are dehydrated or vomiting.
- Do not give children antidiarrheal or antiemetic drugs, they can be harmful.
- Make sure your child is resting.
- Do not send them to nursery, day care or school until they have had a normal bowel movement for 24 hours.
- If they have had norovirus, they should not go to daycare, daycare or school until the loose stools or vomiting have gone within 48 hours.
How is vomiting caused by other causes treated in children?
Whatever the cause of the vomiting, treatment should ensure that the child does not become dehydrated due to fluid loss during vomiting. If your child is dehydrated, they may need to go to the hospital for rehydration through a nasogastric tube, which is inserted through the nose into the stomach, or through an intravenous drip.
- In addition to preventing or treating dehydration, any specific treatment for vomiting will depend on the underlying cause.
- Antiemetics are not usually recommended for children and may be harmful.
- Surgery is usually required for conditions such as appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, and pyloric stenosis when there are blockages or problems in the digestive system.
- Meningitis is treated in a hospital.