Vomiting in Children

In children ages 1 to 5, vomiting is a common symptom of many illnesses, but determining the exact cause can be challenging. It is worth noting that it may be a symptom of gastrointestinal disease or of non-gastrointestinal disease. Young infants are more prone to vomiting, primarily due to gastroesophageal reflux. Infection is usually the common cause of vomiting. Most children recover from vomiting or gastrointestinal illness quickly, though it can be distressing to watch.

Vomiting or throwing up is most often caused by a virus. It may be non-bilious (containing food) or bilious (greenish). Usually, non-bilious vomiting is more common, and it often settles in a couple of days with medications. It is sometimes of significant concern when severe, leading to dehydration and reduced oral intake. 

Dehydration is the primary risk associated with severe vomiting. This indicates that the child's body lacks sufficient water to function properly and has lost too much fluid. It is most important for your child to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. It can also lead to low blood sugar, especially in young infants, and to electrolyte imbalance, resulting in lethargy, drowsiness, abdominal distension, seizures, arrhythmias, etc. Hence, although most can be managed at home, if severe, parents must seek immediate medical advice.

There are different types of vomiting, including:

Possetting – this is when your baby vomits up small amounts after a feed.

Reflux – this type of vomiting is common in babies. It is caused when the valve at the top of the stomach accidentally opens. The contents of the stomach slowly come back up the esophagus. Reflux is often mild and does not affect feeding or weight gain. They usually grow out of it by the time they are walking. In rare cases of severe reflux affecting feeding, weight, and causing aspiration pneumonias, specialist medical advice is required. 

Projectile vomiting – this is when your baby brings up the stomach contents in a forceful way. Projectile vomiting in babies is usually infrequent, but if it occurs, consult a pediatric gastroenterologist right away, as it may be due to a blockage caused by thickening of the muscle at the stomach outlet. Neurological causes also cause projectile vomiting.

There are numerous reasons why children might throw up. The most common cause is gastroenteritis, which is an infection of the intestines and stomach. Often referred to as the "stomach flu," gastroenteritis is typically brought on by viruses. Gastroenteritis can also be brought on by other pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites. In addition to vomiting, gastroenteritis patients may experience diarrhea, nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. Vomiting in gastroenteritis is usually transient, often lasting less than 48hours.

Other Possible Causes of Vomiting

Vomiting can also happen due to:

In rare cases, it may point to a more serious condition, such as:

Before throwing up, children often feel nausea and have retching at the time of vomiting. 

Other signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal causes of vomiting: 

Less frequent urination, crying with few or no tears, dry mouth or cracked lips, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, and behaving extremely drowsy or less attentive are all symptoms of dehydration.

The cause of vomiting determines its course. When vomiting is due to gastroenteritis, it usually settles on its own within 48 hours.

Children should be given a WHO-recommended ORS (oral rehydration solution) to avoid dehydration.

If your child has mild dehydration and your doctor advises home care:

Children who vomit continuously or show signs of dehydration (irritable, sunken eyes, reduced tears while crying, less urine output), need care in the emergency room or hospital.

Consult a pediatric gastroenterologist if your child: 

At Ankura Hospital, children with digestive issues like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain receive expert care from experienced pediatric gastroenterologists. Using innovative diagnostic equipment and a child-friendly atmosphere, we provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and continuous support to ensure your child's comfort, recovery, and overall digestive health.