Vomiting is a very common symptom in children, present in many diseases in both children and babies. Usually, they should not worry you too much, unless they are accompanied by other symptoms. In any case, if you need medical advice and want to get the opinion of an experienced pediatrician, it is very simple to do it remotely, through an online consultation on our platform.

Don't forget that you are one click away from a pediatric specialist, whenever you need it.

Vomiting occurs when food is pushed out of the stomach back into the mouth. Generally, the amount of vomit appears larger than it actually is.

What is vomiting?

Vomiting or vomiting is the act of forcibly emptying the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It's often a symptom of an underlying disease or condition, but it can also be a reaction to motion sickness (as in motion sickness or seasickness), medication, or an injury. Occasional vomiting is common in childhood, especially when the child is sick. Recurrent or chronic vomiting can be a cause for concern, and any prolonged period of vomiting is a very good reason for a consultation with the pediatrician.

Vomiting is different from baby regurgitation, that easy flow of milk or other food from the stomach after a meal, usually in small amounts and often accompanied by a burp. These manifestations do not make the child feel uncomfortable. In contrast, vomiting is a more forceful ejection of food from the stomach, involving strong muscle contractions in the abdomen and diaphragm. A vomiting child is uncomfortable and his general condition is impaired.

Types of vominting

There are different types of vomiting, such as when the baby throws up small amounts after a feed.

 Reflux

 This vomiting is common in babies. Reflux occurs when the valve in the upper part of the stomach accidentally opens. Stomach contents slowly return to the food pipe (esophagus). Reflux does not harm babies.

Jet vomiting

 In this case, the amount of milk or food may appear large on the floor, but it is usually only the amount from the last feeding. Babies may occasionally throw up, but if it happens after every feed, see your pediatrician.

Causes of vomiting

Vomiting is usually caused by:

• minor viral infections of the digestive system or the common cold
  
• gastroesophageal reflux
• motion sickness from traveling in a moving vehicle.

Sometimes vomiting can be a symptom of a more serious illness. Children may also vomit if they have an infection, such as meningitis or a urinary tract infection, a bowel obstruction or appendicitis. If the vomiting is accompanied by fever and diarrhea, it is usually caused by a virus infection. But if it persists for 12 hours or more, dehydration is possible, so you should consult your pediatrician without delay.

Treatment for vomiting

Most babies and children vomit easily and recover quickly. After vomiting, the child may be hungry and thirsty. It is therefore important to give liquids to the child, so that he does not become dehydrated. While it is very important to drink water, the vomiting child should not be forced to eat.

If the child still becomes dehydrated (dry lips and mouth, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, decreased urination), see the pediatrician to see if rehydration is needed under medical supervision.

Parents should take their child to the doctor if:

• There is blood in the vomit or the vomit looks like coffee grounds
  
• There is blood in the stool or the stool has a black, tarry appearance
• The child seems lethargic or confused
• The child has a severe headache or a stiff neck
• The child has severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting occurs after a head injury

A relatively rare form of vomiting, cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), is characterized by recurrent episodes of vomiting with periods of relief in between. This type of vomiting occurs either early in the morning, around 4:00 a.m., or immediately after waking up, between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., in an otherwise perfectly healthy child.