Vomiting is another of those messy and unhappy events that challenge children and their parents.

What is it?

Vomiting is a symptom, one that can result from many different causes.

What are the causes?

Vomiting should be considered in relationship to age. In babies and infants, particularly those less than one month of age, vomiting is most often a sign of a serious disorder, possibly an obstruction to the passage of milk from the esophagus to the small intestine. In older children, vomiting is most often caused by a virus, especially a group known as Rotaviruses. In those instances, vomiting may also be associated with diarrhea and fever.

Possible Symptoms:

• Nausea, decreased appetite, stomach ache often precedes vomiting.
• Your child may become pale just before and after vomiting
• Upchucking of stomach contents!
• Forceful or projectile vomiting, soon after eating, may be a sign of obstruction.
• May be accompanied by diarrhea and fever

Treatment:

• Be sure your child is as comfortable as possible.
• Keep a basin close at hand
• Offer small sips of liquids such as water, juice or ginger ale frequently.
• Infants and younger children may benefit from electrolyte solutions.
• Use anti-nausea medications only as directed by the doctor.

Call the Doctor If:

• Anytime actual vomiting (not just spitting up), especially if it is forceful or projectile, occurs during the first month of life.
• Weight loss is noted.
• Dehydration occurs.
• Pain, localized to one area of the abdomen, is noted, particularly in older children.

While most cases of vomiting are more messy than harmful, there are times when its presence signals a need for close attention. Watch for such signs and in every case, keep the upchuck basin handy!

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