Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Vomiting in Children
And being typically not dangerous, vomiting in kids should certainly not be played around with, Moms. Causes of vomiting in children can range from something as simple as overeating to serious conditions that need immediate medical attention.
The same goes for childhood vomiting treatment. To learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatments, read on, Moms!
Vomiting in Children Symptoms
Ladies, throwing up is not the same thing as spitting up. Spitting up is the effortless return of a baby’s stomach contents to the mouth, whereas vomiting is the forceful expulsion of a baby’s stomach contents as a result of vigorous stomach contractions. This innate instinct expels stomach contents via the mouth (and sometimes the nose).
Signs and symptoms of vomiting in children depend on the underlying condition. Some symptoms are mild and benign; others may be signs of a serious condition that calls for urgent care.
Common Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
Signs That Require Attention:
- Pale skin
- Cold body temperature
- Sluggishness or unresponsiveness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea with vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting more than 3 times per day
- Sustained vomiting lasting more than 3 days
These symptoms may indicate serious diseases like digestive disorders, infections, or allergies.
Reason that Children Throw Up
Possible causes vary from benign to serious. Harmless Causes:
- Travel sickness
- Eating or drinking too much
- Eating/drinking too quickly
- Too much activity (for example, when jumping) after meals
- A stench exposure
- Prolonged intense crying
Serious Causes:
Gut Infections
Often due to viruses (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus), bacteria, or parasites.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, mild fever, stomach pain.
Treatment: Most viral infections will clear within days. Ensure proper hydration.
Respiratory Infections
Common illnesses like flu or throat infections can lead to vomiting due to excessive cough or throat irritation.
Treatment: Symptoms typically resolve within days. Take fever reducers or cough medicine. Go to urgent care for trouble breathing.
Food Poisoning
Transmission: contaminated food/drinks
Treatment: Hydration is key. In severe cases, medical assistance is needed.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Acid moves back up the esophagus, leading to vomiting, particularly after eating. Not uncommon in infants/toddlers, often with irritability or sleep problems.
Treatment: Dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and acid-reducing medications, all of which may be prescribed by your doctor.
Migraine
Without classic headaches, may contribute to nausea/vomiting and make diagnosis difficult.
Treatment: Migraine medications. Recognise triggers such as stress or certain foods.
Food Allergies
Vomiting can be caused by an allergic reaction.
Treatment: Antihistamines or epinephrine (for a severe reaction). Depend on a physician for personalized treatment.
Other Digestive Issues
Appendicitis (rare but serious) has to be treated immediately with surgery.
When to Seek Help:
If vomiting lasts more than 3 days, is bloody, has a stiff gut or extreme discomfort, do not wait to run to the hospital with your child.
