Vomiting In Children

When your child vomits, his stomach contents are forced up his oesophagus and out of his mouth. Vomiting is not a disease, but a symptom. It may sometimes be a sign of an underlying disorder or disease.

You can expect your child to vomit several times during his early years because vomiting is a symptom of common childhood illnesses such as gastroenteritis (due to virus, bacteria or parasite infection in the gastrointestinal tract), upper respiratory infection and food poisoning.

In some cases, vomiting can be a symptom of conditions such as blockage of the digestive tract, urinary tract infections, disruption of the balancing mechanism in the ear, hepatitis and pancreatitis. Increased pressure in the brain, which can be caused by head injury, bleeding in the brain, brain tumour and infections of the brain like meningitis, can also result in vomiting. Persistent vomiting in a child must, therefore, be taken seriously.

When to See the Doctor

• Vomiting is continuous.
• Throws up green-yellowish liquid (bile).
• Has vomited blood (bright red or brown in colour).
• Has persistent fever or headache.
• Is irritable or drowsy.
• Refuses to eat and is unable to keep liquids down.
• Shows signs of dehydration.
• Has severe abdominal pain.
• Starts vomiting again once he resumes his normal diet.

Easing your Child’s Distress after a Bout of Vomiting

• Do not suppress the vomit yourself.
• Do not give your child anti-vomiting medication on your own without medical advice.
• Turn your child’s head to the side or face down over a basin or towel to prevent him from inhaling his vomit.
• After your child has vomited, help him rinse his mouth with water because vomiting may leave a sour taste.
• Vomiting may be frightening and exhausting for your young child. Comfort him.
• Encourage your child to drink fluids in order to avoid dehydration. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is effective in replacing body fluids quickly. You can find ORS in most clinics and pharmacies.
• If your child is able to tolerate food, give your child small, frequent meals of broth, mild soups and mashed potatoes. Small meals 4-5 times a day is much easier for your ill child’s sensitive stomach to tolerate than large meals 2-3 times a day.
• Avoid feeding your child fatty or spicy foods.
• However, remember not to force your child to eat or drink if he is really unable to do so or if he is drowsy. Get him assessed by a doctor early.
• Make sure your child gets enough rest