Vomiting in children can be a common occurrence and is often caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes of vomiting in children include:

• Infections: Viral and bacterial infections can often lead to vomiting in children. Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children.
• Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food or drinks can result in vomiting in children. It is important to ensure food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Motion sickness: Some children may experience vomiting when traveling in cars, planes, or boats due to motion sickness. Providing anti-nausea medication or ginger can help alleviate symptoms.
• Overeating: Eating too much or too quickly can overwhelm a child’s digestive system, leading to vomiting. Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent this.
• Allergies: Food allergies or intolerances can trigger vomiting in some children. It is important to identify and avoid potential allergens to prevent reactions.

If your child is experiencing frequent or persistent vomiting, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, dehydration, or severe abdominal pain, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

Distinguishing Factors of Vomiting

• Babies spitting up after feeding is a common occurrence and differs from actual vomiting episodes.
• Viral gastroenteritis stands out as a primary cause of vomiting incidents in children.
• Frequent vomiting can result in dehydration and may necessitate medical intervention.

Overview of Vomiting Symptoms

Vomiting, a prevalent symptom among children, requires immediate attention and may vary from babies spitting up post-feeding, which is not forceful.

Other symptoms that can be associated with vomiting in children include fever, abdominal pain, lethargy, and dehydration. It is important to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek medical attention if vomiting is persistent, accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration.

Projectile vomiting, in particular, may be a sign of conditions such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. If your child is experiencing frequent episodes of projectile vomiting, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Remember, the Symptom Checker is a helpful tool, but it is always best to seek advice from a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your child’s specific symptoms.

Various Causes of Vomiting in Children

Common Stomach Infections Leading to Vomiting

Gastroenteritis, a prevalent stomach infection in children, manifests through symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever, with young children at a heightened risk of dehydration, particularly infants.

Implications of Food Poisoning

Improper storage or handling of food can result in food poisoning, triggering severe vomiting in children.

Addressing Suspected Poisoning Cases

If poisoning is suspected, it is crucial to contact the Poisons Information Centre or seek medical advice promptly.

Poisoning incidents, common among young children, may induce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or breathing difficulties.

Recognizing Other Conditions Linked to Vomiting

Vomiting episodes in children may signify a urinary tract infection, often accompanied by symptoms like fever or pain.

COVID-19 Related Symptoms

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

Occurrence of Motion Sickness

Older children may experience motion sickness during travel or specific activities.

Urgency of Appendicitis Treatment

Immediate medical attention is imperative in cases of appendicitis to avert potential complications.

Appendicitis typically causes sharp abdominal pain, leading to symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

Prompt Management of Suspected Meningitis

Initiate emergency medical assistance promptly if meningitis is suspected.

Meningitis, a severe infection impacting the brain and spinal cord, necessitates urgent treatment to prevent serious repercussions.

• fever
• headache
• a stiff neck
• avoidance of bright lights (photophobia)
• distinctive skin rash

If a baby has meningitis, they may display signs like irritability, a high-pitched cry, arching of the back, or swelling of the fontanelle.

Urgent Response to Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Seek immediate medical care if a child is dehydrated and vomiting, as it could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can serve as an initial indicator of diabetes, occurring when the body lacks sufficient insulin to utilize glucose in the blood effectively.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

• dehydration
• vomiting
• rapid breathing
• fatigue

You may observe increased thirst and frequent urination in your child.

Addressing Severe Allergic Reactions

If a severe allergic reaction is suspected, contact emergency services immediately.

Frequently observed in infancy when introducing new foods, food allergies may progress to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency characterized by symptoms such as breathing difficulties, throat swelling, wheezing, or collapse.

Cow’s milk allergy, for instance, can induce vomiting in young children as a manifestation of food allergies.

Potential Causes of Chronic Vomiting

• intussusception (a part of the bowel slides into another part of the bowel) (gut blockage)
• pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the valve between the stomach and the small intestine)
• raised intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull)

Diagnostic Approaches to Chronic Vomiting

It is crucial to inform your doctor about the duration of your child’s vomiting episodes and any accompanying symptoms for appropriate diagnosis.

Medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination to assess signs of dehydration and recommend relevant tests to identify the underlying cause of chronic vomiting.

If chronic vomiting persists, a referral to a specialist, be it a gastroenterologist, allergy specialist, neurologist, or paediatrician, may be suggested by your healthcare provider.

Prepare for your appointment by utilizing the Question Builder for guidance on discussing concerns with your GP or specialist.

Medical Attention for Vomiting Episodes

Babies under 6 months are advised to see a doctor if they experience vomiting or symptoms of gastroenteritis.

If a child has pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy and exhibits vomiting, it is essential to seek medical evaluation.

Indicators Requiring Immediate Medical Care for Vomiting

Notably, vomiting can pose more significant risks in young babies, warranting prompt medical intervention under certain circumstances:

• Infants below 6 months of age or weighing less than 8kg.
• Children under 3 years of age who have been vomiting continuously for 12 hours.
• Children under 6 years of age experiencing persistent vomiting for 24 hours.
• Children aged 6 years and older with prolonged vomiting for 48 hours.

If a child demonstrates any of these symptoms alongside vomiting, immediate assistance should be sought at the nearest emergency department:

• presence of blood in vomit
• green or brown vomit
• prolonged or uncontrollable vomiting
• inability to retain fluids or water
• severe abdominal or rectal pain
• stiff neck, possibly with light sensitivity
• high fever exceeding 38.5°C
• evidence of dehydration, such as reduced urination, darker urine, or dry mouth

Locate health services using the Service Finder to access doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and other essential healthcare providers.

Preventing Vomiting in Children

There are some steps parents can take to help prevent vomiting incidents in children:

• Encourage good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses that can cause gastroenteritis.
• Avoid giving your child foods that are known to trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Make sure your child is up to date on vaccinations, as some vaccine-preventable diseases can cause vomiting as a symptom.
• Teach your child good food safety practices to prevent food poisoning.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical attention if your child experiences the following symptoms:

• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or reduced urine output.
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting that does not improve with home care.
• Blood in vomit or stool.
• Fever over 102°F (38.9°C).
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child’s health. If you are unsure about the severity of your child’s symptoms, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider for advice.

Can vomiting in children be prevented?

Gastroenteritis is a common cause of vomiting in children due to its high infectivity and ease of transmission among children.

To prevent the spread of gastroenteritis, you can:

• Regularly wash hands, especially before preparing food and after using the toilet or changing diapers
• Practice proper food safety measures
• Wear gloves when cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, sealing them in a plastic bag before disposal
• Keep your child away from communal settings like nursery, day care, or school until they have been vomit-free for 24 hours

If your child experiences vomiting after consuming certain foods, consult a doctor or dietitian for guidance.

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

In addition to dehydration, vomiting in children can also lead to other complications. Some common complications include:

• Esophageal tears or ruptures due to the forceful nature of vomiting
• Malnutrition, as repeated vomiting can prevent the body from absorbing essential nutrients
• Tooth decay, as stomach acid from vomiting can erode tooth enamel
• Electrolyte imbalances, which can affect the body’s overall functioning
• Aspiration pneumonia, if vomit is inhaled into the lungs

It is important to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek medical attention if vomiting is severe or persistent. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of vomiting and provide appropriate treatment to prevent complications.

Resources and support

For additional information and support resources, consider the following:

• The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne — Kids’ health information
• The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network — Fact sheets

For insights into food allergy symptoms, visit Nip allergies in the Bub. Contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7 for childcare advice.

Explore resources at Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Check out Who can I call for helpful information and guidance?

Source:

Last reviewed: February 2024

Related pages

• Underlying causes of vomiting
• Common treatments for vomiting
• When to seek medical help for vomiting
• Preventing vomiting in children

Search our site for

• Gastroenteritis – Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
• Abdominal Pain – Abdominal pain can have various causes, including indigestion, gas, stomach ulcers, or more serious conditions like appendicitis. It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or persistent.
• Nausea – Nausea is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach that often precedes vomiting. It can be caused by various factors such as motion sickness, pregnancy, or food poisoning.

Need more information?

Find more information on this topic from trusted information partners.

Gastroenteritis factsheet The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Babies and children commonly experience gastroenteritis, leading to cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Explore further on the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website

Crohn’s Disease Ausmed

Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Learn more at the Ausmed Education website

Prevention tips:

• Ensure proper hand washing to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Eat a balanced diet to support gastrointestinal health

Disclaimer

Healthdirect Australia does not endorse the content of external websites.

Related pages

• Underlying causes of vomiting
• Vomiting
• How to prevent vomiting
• When to seek medical help for vomiting

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