Dealing with vomiting in children

Vomiting usually stops without any specific treatment. Usually it  is caused by a virus and will stop on its own. You should never use over the counter or prescription remedies unless they have been specifically prescribed by the pediatrician for this particular illness.

When your child is vomiting , keep him  lying on his stomach or side as much as possible. This will minimize the child’s chance of inhaling vomit into his  upper airways and lungs.

Be on the look out for dehydration : Continuous vomiting in children can result in dehydration. Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses so much water that it cannot function  efficiently any longer. If not treated , this condition can be serious and life threatening. You have to make sure your child consumes enough extra fluids to restore what has been lost  through throwing up . If he keeps  throwing up, contact your pediatrician.

Change your child’s diet : For the first 24 hours or so of vomiting or any illness that causes vomiting, keep your child off  solid foods. Encourage the child to drink or suck small amounts of electrolyte solution. Ask your pediatrician which electrolyte solution to use. The child should also take clear fluids such as water, sugar water (1/2 teaspoon [2.5 ml] sugar in 4 ounces [120 ml] of water), Popsicles, gelatin water (1 teaspoon [5 ml] of flavored gelatin in 4 ounces of water) instead of eating. Liquid will help with dehydration and is also less likely to stimulate throwing  up than solids.

It is important to adhere to your pediatricians recommendation when giving your child fluids.

In most cases, the child will just need to stay home and receive a liquid diet for 12  to 24 hours. Most doctors  wont prescribe any medications but some may prescribe anti nausea medication for the kids.

If your child has diarrhea in addition to the this  , let your doctor know.

When to call your pediatrician

Your need to call the doctor if the child cannot retain any fluids or if symptoms become worse. She will examine  your child and may order blood and urine tests as well as an X-ray to make a diagnosis. Occasionally the child may require hospital care.

Be sure to keep the child well hydrated until he feels better. If he shows any signs of dehydration contact your pediatrician. If the child looks sick, symptoms are not improving or the doctor suspects a bacterial infection, he may order a stool test and give appropriate treatment .