When you become a parent, your child’s health is naturally your number one priority. You might also put your little one’s health and well-being ahead of yours. So, it is vital to remain vigilant, even for mild symptoms like nausea in children.
Nausea can indicate several illnesses or other medical conditions. Below, we’ve outlined some potential reasons for nausea. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Food Poisoning
Food or drinks can introduce bacteria, viruses, or parasites into the body. Some of these germs have the potential to either directly cause or expel toxins within the body, resulting in food-borne illness. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.
2. Constipation
Nausea can be caused by constipation. A genetic disorder known as Hirschsprung’s disease can also cause chronic constipation, which can cause nausea as well.
3. Stress
Emotional stresses like anxiety, depression or mental pressure can also lead to nausea, in the absence of any physical ailments. This type of nausea may occur in young children, and it can be accompanied by abdominal pain, pale skin and/or fatigue.
4. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is inflammation of the lining of the intestine due to pathogens or germs. This is a condition that leads to vomiting and diarrhea — commonly known as “stomach bug.” Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache and fever.
5. Peptic Ulcer
Peptic or stomach ulcer refers to open sores in the stomach or upper small intestine. Usually, it is caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, and it leads to nausea, acute and sudden stomach pain, burping, hiccuping, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss.
6. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hardened deposits of minerals and salt that form in the kidneys. Common symptoms include extreme pain in the back or side, nausea and vomiting. Without treatment, this condition can cause complications such as urinary tract injuries, internal bleeding, general infection and kidney swelling.
7. UTIs and Bladder Diseases
Bladder stones can cause urinary obstruction and bladder diseases. Early symptoms include abdominal pain, frequent nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating. UTIs, which are more common in women, may present with nausea, vomiting, back or abdominal pain, fever and a burning sensation during urination.
8. GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows up and irritates the esophagus. Nausea, heartburn, bad breath and vomiting are some of the key symptoms. GERD, if not treated properly, can cause serious repercussions including even death in severe cases.
9. Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that’s often associated with contaminated food or drink. Symptoms early on can include nausea, vomiting, fever, extreme fatigue and abdominal pain.
10. IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term health condition that affects the large intestine. Even though the intestine may look normal, it is unable to function normally, leading to symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, cramps, bloating, constipation, and mucus in the stool.
Here are 10 likely reasons why children get nausea: If your child has nausea with concerning symptoms, call a doctor right away.
