In most cases, the vomiting will last no longer than one or two days and is not a sign of anything serious. The most common cause in both children and babies is gastroenteritis. This is an infection of the gut usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It also causes diarrhea. Your child's immune system will usually fight off the infection after a few days. Also, babies frequently vomit when they swallow lots of air during feeding. However, persistent vomiting can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, such as a severe infection or even meningitis.
The most important thing you can do if your child is vomiting is to make sure they keep drinking fluids. If your baby is vomiting, carry on breastfeeding. If they seem dehydrated (see box, above left), they will need extra fluids. Ask your pharmacist if they would recommend oral dehydration fluids for your baby. Oral dehydration fluid is a special powder that you make up into a drink, which contains sugar and salts in specific amounts to help replace the water and salts lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Brands include Dioralyte, Electro lade and Dehydrate Children who are vomiting should keep taking small sips of fluid so they don't become dehydrated. They can drink water, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice or semi-skimmed milk.
Causes of vomiting in children
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (an infection of the gut) is a common cause of vomiting in children, and usually goes away after a few days.
Food allergy
Food allergies can also cause vomiting in children. Watch out for certain foods that may bring on the vomiting, and see if your child is better after avoiding this food.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes dizziness and a feeling of spinning as well as nausea and vomiting. Your GP will be able to prescribe medication to relieve your child's symptoms while their immune system fights off the infection, which may take a few weeks.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis can cause vomiting in children, as well as extreme pain in the tummy. It is a medical emergency and means your child's appendix will need to be removed. You should dial 999 for an ambulance if you think your child has appendicitis. Click on the above link to find out more about it.
Poison
Accidentally swallowing a drug or poison can cause vomiting in children. If you think this is the case, call your GP immediately or take them to your nearest accident and emergency department.
Causes of vomiting in babies
These include:- Swallowing lots of air during feeding
- Gastroenteritis (an infection of the gut)
- A food allergy or milk intolerance
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux, which is when stomach acid escapes back up the gullet
- Too big a hole in the bottle teat, causing your baby to drink too much milk
- Accidentally swallowing a drug or poison
- A birth condition where the passage from the stomach to the bowel has narrowed and food cannot pass through easily, causing projectile vomiting. This condition is called congenital pyloric stenosis.
- A blockage, such as a hernia, in your baby's bowel. They will vomit frequently and cry as if in great pain.
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