There are several common causes of vomiting in children, including:

• Stomach infections: such as gastroenteritis, which is often caused by viruses or bacteria and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Food intolerance or allergies: certain foods or ingredients can trigger vomiting in some children who are sensitive or allergic to them.
• Motion sickness: some children may vomit when traveling in a car, plane, or boat due to motion sickness.
• Overeating: consumption of large amounts of food, especially fatty or rich foods, can overwhelm the stomach and lead to vomiting.
• Emotional stress: anxiety, fear, or other emotional factors can sometimes trigger vomiting in children.
• Medical conditions: such as gastrointestinal disorders, infections, or other underlying health issues may also cause vomiting in children.

If your child is vomiting frequently, has other symptoms like fever or dehydration, or if you are concerned about their health, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

• Food poisoning or ingesting toxic substances
• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Migraines
• Medication side effects
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as appendicitis or pancreatitis
• Pregnancy-related conditions like morning sickness

If vomiting is persistent and is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, or blood in the vomit, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

Managing Vomiting in Children

Following a bout of vomiting, ensure your child stays hydrated by offering plenty of fluids. If vomiting persists or if your child appears unwell, seek medical advice promptly.

• Feed your baby upright
• Prop your baby up after feeds
• Position your baby on the left side
• Avoid bouncing your baby after feeding

For mild reflux, consider thickening your baby’s food or offering milk or water to alleviate discomfort. Seek medical guidance for persistent symptoms or concerns.

Possible Causes of Fever

Fevers in children are often attributed to infections or other illnesses. Elevated body temperatures create an inhospitable environment for infectious agents.

Common conditions inducing fevers are:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Ear infections
• Roseola
• Kidney or urinary tract infections
• Common childhood illnesses like chickenpox

Vaccinations, over-bundling, or overheating can also provoke elevated temperatures.

Serious Symptoms Associated with High Temperatures

Important Facts about Vomiting in Children

• Babies often regurgitate small amounts after feeding, distinct from vomiting.
• Vomiting can stem from various causes, but viral gastroenteritis stands out as a frequent culprit.
• Dehydration is a significant risk if vomiting is excessive.
• Vomiting ranks high among reasons for pediatric consultations.
• Oral rehydration solutions can help maintain proper hydration levels.
• It is important to seek medical attention if vomiting is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
• Some children may experience motion sickness as a cause of vomiting.

When a child vomits, it is important to monitor their hydration levels closely. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark urine, and lethargy. It is crucial to ensure the child is receiving enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

In addition to viral gastroenteritis, other common causes of vomiting in children include food poisoning, motion sickness, and migraines. It is important to try to identify the underlying cause of the vomiting in order to provide appropriate treatment.

If your child is experiencing frequent or persistent vomiting, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of the vomiting and recommend the best course of treatment to help your child feel better.

Recognizing Symptoms of Vomiting in Children

Children experiencing vomiting may exhibit additional symptoms like diarrhea. Projectile vomiting, whereby contents are forcefully expelled, is not uncommon.

If concerned, utilize the Symptom Checker to evaluate the need for medical attention.

Potential Causes of Vomiting in Children

While often transient, vomiting in children can signify more severe conditions such as:

• Gastroenteritis
• Food poisoning
• Poisoning
• COVID-19
• Urinary tract infections

Understanding Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as ‘gastro,’ stems from digestive system infections caused by viruses or bacteria.

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as gastro, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. This condition is highly contagious and tends to affect children more easily.

Children, especially infants, are at a higher risk of dehydration due to gastro. It is crucial to seek medical attention for babies under 6 months old who are experiencing gastro symptoms.

Severe cases of gastro in babies are often caused by the rotavirus. Fortunately, there is a free vaccine available through the National Immunisation Program to protect against this virus.

On the other hand, norovirus is a common cause of gastro in older children.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning results from consuming contaminated or improperly stored food. While the symptoms may resemble those of gastro, they are typically more severe in food poisoning cases.

It is essential to keep young children who are at risk of dehydration well-hydrated.

Poisoning

If you suspect poisoning, contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 for immediate guidance (available 24/7).

Poisoning incidents are not uncommon in young children who accidentally ingest harmful substances.

Household items can be toxic if swallowed, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and breathing difficulties.

Do not induce vomiting without consulting a medical professional beforehand.

Urinary tract infections

Vomiting can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in children, particularly in younger ones. Symptoms of UTIs include fever, irritability, painful urination, and strong-smelling urine.

COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 in children may include cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is a common issue experienced by older children during car, train, or air travel, as well as while playing virtual reality games or riding amusement park attractions.

Appendicitis

If appendicitis is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent complications.

Appendicitis manifests as abdominal pain that shifts to the lower right side and intensifies over time.

Other signs of appendicitis may include loss of appetite, discomfort while sitting or standing, vomiting, and reluctance to move.

Meningitis

If a child displays symptoms of meningitis, call 000 for an ambulance or proceed to the emergency room.

Meningitis is a severe infection that affects the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacteria or viruses.

Symptoms of meningitis include vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, skin rash, irritability, and high-pitched crying in infants.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

If a child is vomiting and showing signs of dehydration, seek immediate medical care for suspected diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be the initial indication of diabetes, characterized by inadequate insulin levels to utilize glucose in the blood. It can lead to a life-threatening condition due to an excess of ketones in the bloodstream.

Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include dehydration, rapid breathing, fatigue, and increased thirst and urination.

Food allergy

If a child experiences a severe allergic reaction, call 000 for urgent assistance.

Food allergies are more prevalent in infants and can trigger anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, throat swelling, wheezing, and collapse.

Other acute medical conditions

• intussusception (bowel blockage)
• pyloric stenosis (stomach-intestine valve narrowing)
• raised intracranial pressure (skull pressure)

How is the cause of vomiting diagnosed in children?

If your child vomits persistently and exhibits other symptoms, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and dehydration assessment.

Medical tests may be required to identify the underlying cause of chronic vomiting.

Your healthcare provider might refer your child to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist, allergist, neurologist, or pediatrician.

Utilize the Question Builder tool to prepare questions for your appointment.

Additional Information:

• It is important to monitor your child for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, and lethargy.
• If your child has a high fever, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or is unable to keep fluids down, seek immediate medical attention.
• Keep track of any medications your child is taking, as some may cause vomiting as a side effect.
• Encourage your child to rest and stay hydrated with small sips of clear fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, or oral rehydration solutions.

Remember to follow your instincts as a parent – if you are concerned about your child’s health, it is always best to seek medical advice.

For more information, consult with your child’s pediatrician or call a healthcare provider for guidance.

How is vomiting treated in children?

Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of vomiting in children and can often be managed at home unless dehydration occurs.

A guide for caring for infants and older children experiencing vomiting due to gastroenteritis is available.

Self-care at home

Vomiting typically resolves without intervention. Focus on ensuring hydration and electrolyte balance with oral rehydration solution.

• For breastfed infants, offer milk after vomiting and oral rehydration solution in the first 12 hours.
• Bottle-fed babies should switch to oral rehydration solution for 12 hours, then gradually reintroduce formula feedings.

• Encourage older children to drink clear fluids regularly and avoid sports drinks or lemonade.
• If solid foods are rejected, concentrate on fluids and slowly reintroduce bland foods.

Avoid sending children to childcare, preschool, or school until they have been free of loose stools for at least 24 hours.

If your child continues to vomit without improvement, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Medicines for vomiting in children

Avoid administering anti-vomiting medications to children without consulting a healthcare provider. Consider using oral rehydration solution available at pharmacies.

Looking for a specific medication? — Utilize the Medicines information search feature to find brand names or active ingredients.

Other ways that vomiting in children can be treated

Treating vomiting depends on the root cause, whether it be motion sickness, bacterial infections, meningitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, or surgical interventions.

In addition to the preventive measures mentioned above, there are other steps you can take to help prevent vomiting in children:

• Encourage proper hydration to prevent dehydration, especially during illness
• Avoid giving large meals to children, instead offer small, frequent meals
• Make sure children get plenty of rest to support their immune system
• Consider allergy testing if vomiting is a recurring issue

It is important to monitor children for any signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or lethargy, and seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. Remember, prevention is key in managing vomiting in children.

Other complications of vomiting in children may include:

• Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to disruptions in heart rhythm and muscle function
• Esophageal tears or Mallory-Weiss tears, which can result from the forceful nature of vomiting
• Aspiration pneumonia, which can occur when vomited material is inhaled into the lungs
• Malnutrition or weight loss if vomiting is prolonged or severe

It is important to seek medical attention if your child is experiencing frequent or persistent vomiting, as these complications can be serious and require treatment.

Resources and support

For additional information and support, consider visiting resources such as The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, or reaching out to healthdirect for guidance.

Learn more about food allergies on Nip allergies in the Bub or access resources through Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

It is also recommended to consult with an allergist for proper diagnosis and management of food allergies.

Source: Last reviewed February 2024

Related pages

• Underlying causes of vomiting
• Vomiting

Search our site for

• Gastroenteritis – Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that typically causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
• Abdominal Pain – Abdominal pain can have many causes, including indigestion, gas, or more serious conditions such as appendicitis or gallstones.
• Nausea – Nausea is a sensation of unease or discomfort in the stomach that often precedes vomiting. It can be caused by many factors, including illness, motion sickness, or pregnancy.

Need more information?

Explore further insights on this topic from trusted information partners.

Gastroenteritis factsheet | The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Learn more about gastroenteritis, a common concern in babies and children, and its symptoms on the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network website.

Dehydration & fluid loss: children & teens | Raising Children Network

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Gastroenteritis | Children’s Health Queensland

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Vomiting in children and teenagers | Raising Children Network

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Diarrhoea in babies and children

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Norovirus | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

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Related pages

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