Vomiting

Common Illnesses

Coughs

Colds

Flu

RSV

Ear Infections
(Otitus Media)

Fevers

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cavities

Stomach Aches

Sore Throats

Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Vomiting

Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. These infections are usually short-lived and are more disruptive than damaging. Your most important intervention may be your bedside manner - vomiting is frightening for young children and exhausting for children of all ages. Supplement these time-tested routines with plenty of reassurance.

What to Do:

Rest the stomach. This may be easier said than done with a small child, who doesn't understand what's happening and is longing for a big drink of water. Try to wait a few hours, and then offer small sips of water, ice chips, soda, or a cold, wet washcloth to suck. Contrary to popular belief, there's no need to wait until the soda goes flat.

If sips of water are not tolerated, you may wish to consult your doctor about an over-the-counter nausea medication. If your doctor approves, ask about the correct dose for your child.

If sips of water are tolerated, slowly increase the amount of liquids you give your child. Then you can try other clear liquids.

Milk and milk products should be avoided.

It's essential to replace the electrolytes and fluid you child has lost. Pedialite is available at drugstores, but Gatorade is a good substitute. For a hard-to-resist-treat, pour Gatorade into an ice cube tray and freeze.

Introduce foods gradually. Wait for your child to say she's hungry, and then start with dry toast or crackers.

Your school-age child will probably tell you when she is ready to eat heavier food, and you can generally trust her judgment and give her what she asks for. With a younger child, stick with bland, starchy foods like potatoes and rice until you're sure she's out of the woods.

The greatest risk of vomiting due to gastroenteritis is dehydration. Call your doctor if your child has diarrhea, refuses fluids, is not urinating, cries without tears, has a dry mouth, or seems confused. You should also call if vomiting persists more than two days, which increases the risk of dehydration.

The following symptoms may indicate a condition more serious than gastroenteritis and require immediate medical attention:

projectile vomiting in an infant

vomiting accompanied by fever

repeated vomiting of green or yellow bile

stomach feels hard and bloated in between vomiting episodes

vomit resembles coffee grounds

vomiting blood

vomiting follows head injury

vomiting during recovery from a viral infection

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
PARENTING CHALLENGES | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
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Missed A Program?
Healthworks on Videotape
If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Coughs Colds Flu RSV Ear Infections (Otitus Media) Fevers Vomiting Diarrhea Cavities Stomach Aches Sore Throats Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Vomiting Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. These infections are usually short-lived and are more disruptive than damaging. Your most important intervention may be your bedside manner - vomiting is frightening for young children and exhausting for children of all ages. Supplement these time-tested routines with plenty of reassurance. What to Do: Rest the stomach. This may be easier said than done with a small child, who doesn't understand what's happening and is longing for a big drink of water. Try to wait a few hours, and then offer small sips of water, ice chips, soda, or a cold, wet washcloth to suck. Contrary to popular belief, there's no need to wait until the soda goes flat. If sips of water are not tolerated, you may wish to consult your doctor about an over-the-counter nausea medication. If your doctor approves, ask about the correct dose for your child. If sips of water are tolerated, slowly increase the amount of liquids you give your child. Then you can try other clear liquids. Milk and milk products should be avoided. It's essential to replace the electrolytes and fluid you child has lost. Pedialite is available at drugstores, but Gatorade is a good substitute. For a hard-to-resist-treat, pour Gatorade into an ice cube tray and freeze. Introduce foods gradually. Wait for your child to say she's hungry, and then start with dry toast or crackers. Your school-age child will probably tell you when she is ready to eat heavier food, and you can generally trust her judgment and give her what she asks for. With a younger child, stick with bland, starchy foods like potatoes and rice until you're sure she's out of the woods. The greatest risk of vomiting due to gastroenteritis is dehydration. Call your doctor if your child has diarrhea, refuses fluids, is not urinating, cries without tears, has a dry mouth, or seems confused. You should also call if vomiting persists more than two days, which increases the risk of dehydration. The following symptoms may indicate a condition more serious than gastroenteritis and require immediate medical attention: projectile vomiting in an infant vomiting accompanied by fever repeated vomiting of green or yellow bile stomach feels hard and bloated in between vomiting episodes vomit resembles coffee grounds vomiting blood vomiting follows head injury vomiting during recovery from a viral infection
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.