Throwing up is a common indication of sickness in kids aged 1 to 5 years, often a result of infection. Infants are more prone to vomiting, especially those with reflux.

Children are likely to vomit more frequently and recover quickly from stomach illnesses.

What can cause vomiting in children?

• Gastrointestinal issues are a common cause of sudden vomiting in children
• Food poisoning or allergies can also trigger vomiting
• Coughing or motion sickness may result in vomiting
• Diarrhea, fever, and general discomfort often accompany vomiting
• Vomiting can indicate underlying medical conditions such as appendicitis

What other symptoms might your child have?

Vomiting can be an initial symptom of an illness and is usually accompanied by feelings of nausea or fatigue.

Other symptoms that your child might have include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Sore throat

How do I treat my vomiting child at home?

Most cases of vomiting can be managed effectively with simple home remedies. Ensure your child stays hydrated with breast milk, formula, or oral rehydration solutions.

Encourage your child to drink small amounts of fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

Should my child stay at home?

Allow your child to rest and recover at home from vomiting, ensuring they stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and support their immune system.

It is important to keep your child home to prevent the spread of any potential illness to others. Encourage hand washing, disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and avoid sharing items such as towels or utensils.

How can I limit the spread of vomiting germs?

Keep your child isolated, avoid sharing items, and thoroughly disinfect surfaces after cleaning up vomit.

What to do when your child is vomiting

• Stay composed and monitor vomiting and fluid intake
• Avoid giving any medication to stop vomiting without consulting a medical professional
• Promote rest to assist in emptying the stomach
• Encourage your child to drink small amounts of clear fluids like water, ice chips, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration
• Avoid giving your child dairy products, fatty foods, or caffeine until they are feeling better
• If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, or if your child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output, seek medical attention immediately

When should you see a doctor?

• If you are worried about your child’s health
• Watch for signs of dehydration or other concerning symptoms

Source:

Raising Children, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Royal Children’s Hospital

Last reviewed: September 2022

Related pages

• Identifying signs of illness in your child
• Vomiting in infants
• Sepsis in infants and children
• Common childhood illnesses
• Preventing illness in children

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Motion sickness: babies, children & teens Raising Children Network

Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Avoid triggers by looking at the horizon.

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Cyclical vomiting syndrome can cause intense nausea and vomiting. Avoiding triggers and proper medication can help manage symptoms.

Symptoms of cyclical vomiting syndrome

The main symptoms of cyclical vomiting syndrome include severe nausea and vomiting, followed by periods of wellness. Episodes can last for hours or days, starting with sweating, paleness, retching, and vomiting. Other symptoms may include exhaustion, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and sensitivity to light. Episodes typically have a pattern of consistent start and end times, followed by a period of relief before a new episode. The syndrome often begins in children around the age of 5 and is less severe in adults.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 now if:

• Persistent vomiting without retaining fluids
• Reduced urine output

If the child is under 5 years old, seek medical assistance.

Other signs to watch out for in children that may require urgent medical attention include:

• High fever that doesn’t improve with medication
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• Severe stomach pain
• Unconsciousness or extreme drowsiness

It’s important to trust your instincts and seek help if you are concerned about your child’s health.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• Vomit containing blood or coffee-like appearance
• Green vomit in adults, yellow-green vomit in children
• Stiff neck, sensitivity to light
• Sudden severe headache, abdominal pain
• Pale or bluish skin, difficulty breathing
• Confusion or unresponsiveness

Immediate medical attention is necessary for severe symptoms. Do not drive, call an ambulance, and bring any medications being taken.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance. Ignoring these signs could lead to serious health complications. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.

How cyclical vomiting syndrome is diagnosed

If severe nausea and vomiting persist, a doctor will evaluate for cyclical vomiting syndrome. The assessment will include the frequency and duration of episodes, vomiting frequency, and overall well-being between episodes. Further tests may be required to rule out other conditions.

In addition to evaluating the frequency and duration of episodes, a doctor may also inquire about any triggers or patterns that precede an episode of vomiting. Keeping a detailed diary of symptoms and potential triggers can be helpful in the diagnosis process.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include blood tests to check for abnormalities, imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out structural abnormalities, and gastric emptying studies to assess how quickly food passes through the stomach.

It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of cyclical vomiting syndrome to seek medical attention promptly to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for cyclical vomiting syndrome

Medications may be beneficial for managing cyclical vomiting syndrome, especially if episodes are frequent. Prescribed medicines will depend on the specific symptoms and age of the individual, such as migraine treatments, antiemetics, and pain relief medications. Support is available for children struggling with the syndrome, and severe episodes may necessitate hospital treatment for intravenous fluids and medication.

How to manage the symptoms of cyclical vomiting syndrome

To prevent or manage symptoms, keep a record of triggers and avoid them. Follow prescribed medication regimens. During episodes, rest in a dark, quiet environment and consume small amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Causes of cyclical vomiting syndrome

The exact cause of cyclical vomiting syndrome is unknown, but it is often associated with migraines. Triggers may include stress, lack of sleep, infections, certain foods, and dehydration. Research has also suggested a possible link between cyclical vomiting syndrome and abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. Additionally, genetic factors may play a role, as the condition can sometimes run in families.

Find out more

For information and support on cyclical vomiting syndrome, resources are available from:

Is your child experiencing nighttime vomiting? Learn about possible causes and treatments. Image courtesy: Freepik

Episodes of vomiting at night can be attributed to various factors. Some illnesses may manifest with nighttime vomiting, which becomes noticeable during the night. Explore the reasons behind nighttime vomiting in children.

6. Gastrointestinal disorders

Conditions like gastroenteritis, stomach flu, or other gastrointestinal disorders can cause vomiting at night in children.

7. Motion sickness

If a child experiences motion sickness during the day, they may continue to feel nauseous and vomit at night.

8. Overeating or eating too close to bedtime

Consuming large meals or snacks right before bedtime can overwhelm the stomach and lead to vomiting in some children.

9. Anxiety or stress

Emotional distress, anxiety, or stress can manifest physically in children, sometimes resulting in nighttime vomiting episodes.

10. Medication side effects

Some medications, especially antibiotics or painkillers, can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting, particularly at night.

11. Other medical conditions

Underlying medical conditions such as migraines, neurological disorders, or allergies can also contribute to nighttime vomiting in children.

It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if your child experiences frequent or severe nighttime vomiting to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for child vomiting at night

Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause. Home remedies include rehydration solutions and anti-emetic medications. Seek medical attention for persistent vomiting and signs of dehydration.

When to see a doctor?

If vomiting persists and the child is unable to retain fluids, seek immediate medical help. Expert guidance is crucial in emergency situations.

Vomiting is a common symptom of illness in children, usually stemming from infections. Young children, especially infants with reflux, are more susceptible to vomiting. Most children recover quickly from vomiting-related illnesses.

What can cause vomiting in children?

• Gastroenteritis is a prevalent cause of sudden vomiting in children.
• Other factors such as infections, food poisoning, coughing, motion sickness, and underlying medical conditions can also result in vomiting.
• Children may vomit due to overeating, drinking too much, eating too quickly, or consuming foods that are difficult to digest.
• Severe coughing or respiratory infections can trigger the vomiting reflex in children.
• Motion sickness, especially during car rides or boat trips, can lead to vomiting in some children.

What other symptoms might your child have?

Vomiting may be the sole symptom of illness in a child, indicating an underlying issue. Some children may experience nausea before vomiting, while others may display signs of lethargy.

How do I treat my vomiting child at home?

Most cases of vomiting respond well to simple care at home. It is essential to keep your child hydrated with fluids like breast milk, formula, or oral rehydration solution, but avoid sugary drinks.

Encourage your child to consume small amounts of fluids frequently to maintain hydration, even if they have a reduced appetite.

Should my child stay at home?

While your child is experiencing vomiting, it is advisable to keep them at home regardless of the cause. Allow them a few restful days to focus on recovery. Support their immune system through adequate rest and hydration for a quicker recovery.

How can I limit the spread of vomiting germs?

Avoid close contact with others, refrain from sharing utensils or dishes, and thoroughly wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water. Use disposable paper towels and disinfectant spray to clean up vomit.

What to do when your child is vomiting

• Maintain a calm and collected demeanor, even in times of concern.
• Monitor the frequency of vomiting in comparison to fluid intake and urine color to detect signs of dehydration.
• Avoid administering any vomiting cessation medications without consulting a doctor.
• Promote rest to aid in emptying the stomach and reducing the urge to vomit.

When should you see a doctor?

• If your child’s condition deteriorates or they exhibit signs of dehydration.
• If they struggle to retain fluids.
• If the vomit contains blood or bile.
• If they appear lethargic, dehydrated, or demonstrate other worrying symptoms.

Sources:

Raising Children, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne)

Last reviewed: September 2022

Related pages

• Recognizing signs of illness in children
• Vomiting in babies
• Sepsis in infants and children

Search our site for

Need more information?

Motion sickness: babies, children & teens

Children experiencing motion sickness may feel nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Avoiding triggers by focusing on the horizon and maintaining head stability can help prevent symptoms.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Vomiting in children and teenagers

Vomiting is common in children, but dehydration poses a significant risk. Ensure they remain hydrated and consult a doctor if concerned.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Nausea in babies, children, and teenagers

Nausea is the feeling of impending vomiting. Offer small sips of water or oral rehydration solution and bland foods to children experiencing nausea.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

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