Vomiting can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include
thirst, little urination, dark colored urine, dry mouth, sunken
eyes, no tears when crying, and skin that seems thick.
Is it contagious?
Sometimes. Vomiting may be contagious if caused by a viral or
bacterial infection.
How is vomiting treated?
Stop formula and breast feedings. Stop all liquids and solid
foods in older children.
Give frequent, small amounts of fluids. Do not give large
amounts to drink.
Give your child 1 ounce of clear liquids every hour. Have your
child take small sips.
Do not use plain water. Special clear liquids called oral
rehydration solutions (ORS) are best. See "How to
treat dehydration" below.
Some doctors say that children over 2 years old can have
Gatorade, soda, clear soups, tea, Jell-O, and Popsicles. Ask your
doctor.
Do not give your child diet soda, salt water, plain water,
sugar-free drinks, or caffeine.
If your child doesn't vomit after 8-12 hours, add solid foods.
For infants, try rice cereal with water or Pedialyte. For
toddlers, try dry cereal, dry crackers, or dry toast.
If your infant doesn't vomit after 12-24 hours, start
breastfeeding or begin giving formula. Some doctors recommend
giving half-strength formula for 12 hours, then full-strength
after 12 hours. Ask your doctor.
Add food and liquids slowly as your child is able to keep them
down.
Do not keep your child on a clear liquid diet for more than
one or two days. Call your doctor.
How is dehydration treated?
Vomiting can cause dehydration (loss of fluid in the
body).
Dehydration should be treated immediately.
Your child should drink fluids if he has had vomiting.
Drinking in small, frequent sips is best.
Your child might need an oral rehydration solution, or ORS,
(such as Pedialyte or Ricelyte) to help replace body fluids.
Call the doctor to find out which ORS to use.
Give your child the ORS in a dropper, spoon, or cup.
The doctor can tell you the smallest amount of ORS that is
okay to give your child.
Wait 30-60 minutes after your child has last vomited to begin
giving him the ORS. Give the ORS in small amounts and often (1
teaspoon a minute). Increase the amount slowly, as your child is
able to keep it down.
You can breastfeed and give formula while using the ORS.
How long does it last?
Most vomiting will stop within 8 to 12 hours with the right
treatment.
Can it be prevented?
Refrigerate foods that spoil.
Wash hands often. Teach children to wash hands.
If possible, keep children away from others who are sick.
When should I call the doctor? Call the doctor if...
your child has vomited for 12 hours or more.
your child is less than 6 months old
your child has stomach pain that lasts at least 2 hours
your child is unable to take medicine
your child shows signs of dehydration
your child will not take liquids
your child is under 6 months old and has a temperature above
104 degrees F (or 40 degrees C)
there is blood in the vomit or vomit is black
your child is vomiting and also has a stiff neck or
headache
you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or
condition
Go to the emergency room if
your child is very thirsty
your child doesn't urinate in 8-12 hours or if your infant
doesn't urinate in 4-6 hours
urine is very dark
your child is sleeping a lot, has very little energy, or is
weak and limp
there are no tears when your child cries
there is a chance your child could have ingested (eaten or
drank) something poisonous (cleaning products, medication,
etc.)
your child is crying or screaming as if in great pain and
can't be comforted.
Quick Answers
Nausea is the urge to vomit. Vomiting, or "throwing up" is
when the contents of the stomach are forced up the throat and out
of the mouth.
Vomiting can be caused by an infection, a food allergy,
medication, or motion sickness.
Many infants "spit up" after feeding, but this is not
vomiting.
Vomiting can lead to dehydration. Signs include thirst, little
urination, dark colored urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears
when crying, and skin that seems thick.
Vomiting may be contagious if caused by a viral or bacterial
infection.
To treat vomiting, stop all feedings. Give frequent, small
amounts of fluid. Add bland foods as your child is able to keep
them down and increase slowly up to regular diet.
Your child should drink fluids if he has had vomiting.
Drinking in small, frequent sips is best.
Most vomiting will stop within 8 to 12 hours with the right
treatment.
To prevent stomach infections, teach children to wash their
hands often.
Call the doctor if your child has vomiting and stomach pain,
vomiting and a high fever, or if you have questions about your
child's condition.
Go to the emergency room if your child shows signs of severe
dehydration.
References
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Vomiting. 1996-2001
(cited 2002 April 2). URL:
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8879
FamilyDoctor. Nausea and Vomiting in Infants and Children.
1996 (cited 2002 April 2). URL:
http://www.familydoctor.org/flowcharts/530.html
MEDLINEplus. Nausea and Vomiting. 2001 December 02 (cited 2002
April 2). URL:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003117.htm
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