When your child begins to exhibit signs of sickness, dealing with symptoms can be a source of anxiety. Ensuring comfort and offering support are essential to their recovery, aiding in a swift return to health.

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Rest is crucial for the healing process. Encouraging your child to rest and sleep while they are unwell can expedite their recovery.

Some key tips for creating a comforting environment include:

• Providing a quiet space
• Ensuring comfortable bedding
• Using dim lighting
• Offering hydration and snacks

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Maintaining proper hydration is essential when your child is sick, as it helps support the immune system. Hydrating beverages can replenish fluids and electrolytes that are lost.

Examples of hydrating drinks include:

• Water
• Diluted juice
• Broth
• Herbal teas
• Electrolyte drinks

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Consuming nutrient-rich foods can aid the body in fighting illness and promoting healing. Opt for easily digestible, nourishing options such as soups, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

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Effectively managing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and congestion is crucial for your child’s comfort and recovery.

• Tips for managing fever
• Strategies to soothe coughs
• Methods for relieving sore throat
• Remedies for congestion

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Maintaining clean air is vital for respiratory health. Regular cleaning, the use of air purifiers, proper ventilation, and avoiding irritants can help ensure a clean and fresh environment.

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Probiotics play a supportive role in gut health and immune function. Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements to restore gut balance and enhance immune response.

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Recognizing when to seek medical advice is of utmost importance. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or persist, particularly in cases of high fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, severe headache, or behavioral changes.

healthdirect Australia offers free access to nurses or doctors for guidance on caring for your sick child.

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• Babies may have episodes of spitting up after feeding, which is normal and distinct from vomiting.
• Children may experience vomiting due to viral gastroenteritis, leading to dehydration.
• Vomiting is a common reason for visits to the doctor.
• Providing small amounts of oral rehydration solution or water can help keep children hydrated.

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Vomiting is a prevalent symptom in children, often necessitating visits to the doctor.

Vomiting involves the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, distinct from effortless occurrences like posseting or reflux in babies.

Dehydration risk is present in babies and children experiencing vomiting episodes.

Vomiting may be due to viral gastroenteritis, typically resolving within a few days.

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Vomiting can be a common occurrence in children, especially when they have an upset stomach or are experiencing a viral infection.

In some cases, vomiting can be accompanied by diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration if not properly managed.

Projectile vomiting, where vomit forcefully travels a significant distance, may indicate a more serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

If you are unsure about the cause of your child’s vomiting or if they are exhibiting concerning symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Use the Symptom Checker tool for further guidance on when to seek medical advice and what steps to take in managing vomiting and diarrhea in children.

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Vomiting in children may be attributed to infections or more severe conditions.

Potential causes include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, poisoning incidents, COVID-19, and urinary tract infections.

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Gastroenteritis, resulting from an infection in the digestive system, triggers symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

Children with gastroenteritis are at a heightened risk of dehydration.

Rotavirus and norovirus are common culprits of gastroenteritis in babies and older children, respectively.

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Food poisoning arises from germs in improperly prepared food, leading to symptoms akin to gastroenteritis.

Vigilance for dehydration risk in babies or young children with food poisoning is crucial.

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If poisoning is suspected, seek guidance from the Poisons Information Centre.

Poisoning incidents are prevalent among young children who ingest toxic substances and should not induce vomiting without professional supervision.

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Urinary tract infections can manifest with symptoms like vomiting, fever, and irritability in children.

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Symptoms of COVID-19 in children may encompass cough, fever, runny nose, and vomiting.

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Motion sickness tends to affect older children more frequently due to various forms of travel or activities.

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Appendicitis is a medical emergency that causes pain and discomfort, typically accompanied by symptoms like vomiting and loss of appetite.

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Meningitis is an infection with severe symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and headache.

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Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency characterized by symptoms like dehydration, vomiting, and rapid breathing.

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If a severe allergic reaction is suspected, immediate medical assistance should be sought.

Food allergies, such as cow’s milk allergy, can induce vomiting in young children.

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• Intussusception, pyloric stenosis, and elevated intracranial pressure are potential factors contributing to vomiting episodes in children.

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Physicians evaluate the duration of vomiting episodes and accompanying symptoms for proper diagnosis.

Assessments help identify signs of dehydration.

Specialists may be consulted if chronic vomiting continues.

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Babies under 6 months experiencing vomiting should be seen by a doctor, as should children with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy.

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Vomiting in young babies can be a serious concern, necessitating prompt medical attention in specific circumstances.

If a baby is vomiting frequently, cannot keep fluids down, shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or lack of tears when crying, has a high fever, or seems lethargic, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Vomiting in infants can be caused by various factors such as infections, food allergies, or other underlying medical conditions.

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The majority of vomiting episodes in children result from viral gastroenteritis, typically manageable at home.

If dehydration is a concern or if the child is under 6 months old, seek medical attention.

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Vomiting often resolves without specific treatment. Focus on maintaining your child’s hydration levels.

Help them replenish lost minerals and salts by providing oral rehydration solution, available for purchase at pharmacies or supermarkets.

You may be able to care for your child with viral gastroenteritis at home. While vomiting caused by viral gastroenteritis usually improves within 1-2 days, diarrhea symptoms may persist.

Here are some recommendations for caring for a baby or child over 6 months old experiencing vomiting due to gastroenteritis:

• Breastfed babies should continue breastfeeding at an increased frequency. Offer milk after each vomiting episode. Additionally, offer oral rehydration solution or water for the first 12 hours.
• Bottle-fed babies should have formula replaced with oral rehydration solution or water for the first 12 hours. Subsequently, they can consume normal formula in small quantities, more frequently than usual. Provide a drink after each vomiting episode.
• Ensure your baby gets adequate rest.

Here are some recommendations for caring for an older child with vomiting due to gastroenteritis:

• Offer older children small amounts of clear fluids frequently, approximately every 15 minutes.
• Oral rehydration solutions are highly recommended for children experiencing frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
• Oral rehydration solution can be chilled or turned into ice blocks for children to suck on.
• Avoid giving your child sports drinks, lemonade, or cordial, as these can worsen diarrhea or dehydration.
• Children with gastroenteritis may refuse solid foods for a day or two, provided they are consuming fluids. Once they are ready, gradually reintroduce plain foods.
• Ensure your child gets sufficient rest.

Do not send them to nursery, daycare, or school until they have been free of loose bowel movements for at least 24 hours.

If your child is vomiting and you are concerned about their lack of improvement, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

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Antiemetic medications are generally not recommended for children. Do not administer an antiemetic to your child without consulting a healthcare professional.

You can obtain oral rehydration solution from a pharmacy.

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Specific treatments will vary based on the underlying cause of vomiting. Here are some examples:

• Motion sickness in children can often be prevented. Children over 2 years of age may benefit from certain medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to explore suitable options.
• Bacterial infections like urinary tract infections are commonly treated with antibiotics.
• Meningitis necessitates hospital treatment. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, while viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotic therapy. Steroids may also be prescribed to decrease brain swelling.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis requires hospital intervention. Reversing dehydration safely, stabilizing blood sugar levels with insulin, and close monitoring are essential components of treatment.
• Surgical intervention is typically necessary for conditions involving obstructions or issues in the digestive system, such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, and pyloric stenosis.

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Gastroenteritis stands as the leading cause of vomiting in children. Highly infectious, it can easily spread among children.

You can help halt the spread of gastroenteritis by:

• Wearing gloves while cleaning up vomit or diarrhea — securely seal them in a plastic bag before disposal.
• Practicing proper food safety measures.
  • Make sure to wash your hands regularly before handling food and after using the restroom or changing diapers.
  • Keep your child home from nursery, daycare, or school until they haven’t vomited for 24 hours.

If your child is throwing up after eating certain foods, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or a dietitian for recommendations.

Vaccines are available to prevent some common causes of vomiting in children, such as rotavirus or meningitis.

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the digestive system that can be triggered by various factors like viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals, or medications.

What is Dengue? Ausmed

Dengue is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes that results in flu-like symptoms and is spread through bites from Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

Food Poisoning (Foodborne Illness) Ausmed

Every year, over 4,000,000 Australians are affected by food poisoning, causing hospitalizations and even deaths, but many instances can be prevented.

Meningococcal Disease Ausmed

Meningococcal disease is a rare condition with a mortality rate of 5 to 10% that requires immediate medical attention.

Lithium Pathology Tests Explained

Lithium levels in the blood are monitored to manage bipolar disorder, a mental health condition.

Crohn’s Disease Ausmed

Crohn’s disease leads to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and is classified under inflammatory bowel disease.

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Related pages

• Possible causes of vomiting
• Vomiting itself

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