Vomiting in children

Vomiting in children is a very common problem. This can be very uncomfortable for children and quite frightening for the parents. Usually this condition doesn’t need medication and will just go away on its own, but parents should keep in mind that every fluid lost should be replaced with enough liquids as well. And if vomiting still occurs, parents should bring their kids to the doctor.

Vomiting is one of the symptoms of many illnesses or conditions; this can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea and diarrhea.

Causes of Vomiting in children

Vomiting in children is caused by many different reasons and its causes may depend on the child’s age. For newborns and young infants up to 3 months, spitting up is often misunderstood as vomiting which in fact are two different conditions. While for older children, here are the possible causes.

• Acute Gastroenteritis

Acutehttp://www.myhealthyfeeling.com/food-poisoning-remedies-signs-of-food-poisoning-symptoms-treatment/is a very common problem among children over one year old and also popularly known as “stomach flu”. It usually occurs due to stomach viruses and there is no cure available for this condition; however, vomiting would only last for a few days. This condition is accompanied by symptoms such as stomachache, fever, diarrhea, and of course, vomiting.

• Food Poisoning

Food poisoning usually occurs due to bad sanitation practices. When the food gets contaminated with viruses and bacteria, they impose risk on those who eat the food. Food poisoning symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Most of the time, food poisoning would clear up on its own. But on rare severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure, dehydration or even death.

• Intestinal Blockage

This blockage causes severe vomiting and pain to affected children. The vomit may look yellow or dark green in color. It is also usually accompanied by passing gas or constipation. This is an emergency case, and oftentimes, surgery is needed to remove the blockage that caused the obstruction in the intestines.

• Other reasons for vomiting in children include appendicitis, hepatitis, infections, migraines, and some serious conditions such as brain tumors and meningitis.

Treatment for Vomiting in children

Treatment is usually focused on avoiding dehydration. So to keep the child well hydrated, drinking enough fluids such as water with oral rehydration salts will make a great difference. Parents should monitor their child for possible signs of mild dehydration such as thirst and slight dryness of the mouth. But be on the lookout for symptoms that need immediate medical attention such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears produced when crying, and decreased urination. Dehydration in kids is very dangerous for if the fluid lost is not immediately replaced, it may lead to death.

Children should avoid taking foods or drinks with high sugar content such as apple, cherry juice, and pears. The recommended diet consists of light meals combined with complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, bread, fruits, and vegetables.

When to Seek Medical Help

Vomiting in children when left unmanaged will lead to more serious conditions. If the vomit turns green, red or brown, and the vomiting still progresses, then parents should take their child to the doctor immediately. Other symptoms to watch out for include fever, dry mouth, lack of tears and lessened urination, severe abdominal pain, and behavioral changes like decreased responsiveness.