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Nausea and Vomiting, Child


About this topic


When your child feels sick to the stomach, it is called nausea. Your child may feel like throwing up. When children empty the contents of the stomach, they throw up or vomit. Your child may have only one of these signs or both at the same time. Most often, the signs will stop on their own. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up may be a sign of some other illness. Your child may not feel like eating or drinking. Your child may also have pain in the stomach, pass blood, or lose weight. If these signs last a while, your child may need testing to find out the cause. ‚  


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What are the causes?


Many illnesses may cause your child to feel sick in the stomach or throw up. Sometimes, the illness may be related to the belly. Your child may have an infection like the flu or food poisoning. Your child may have an ulcer or reflux. Problems with your childs liver, gallbladder, or appendix may make your child feel sick in the stomach. Your child may also feel sick if the belly does not feel well or there is a block. ‚  
Other health problems may cause your child to feel sick in the stomach or need to throw up. Motion sickness or an inner ear problem can cause your child to feel sick. Very bad headaches, migraines, and some drugs can cause these signs as well. Someone who has had too much alcohol to drink or who has misused drugs may vomit or feel sick. Some people have nausea or throwing up from an accident or head injury. It can also be a side effect of surgery or chemo. ‚  

What are the main signs?


Having an upset stomach and throwing up are the main signs. Your child may feel tired, have a fever, or have a sore belly. Other signs will depend on the cause of the nausea and vomiting. ‚  

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


The doctor will take your childs history. The doctor will ask questions about your child's problem and when it happens. Your child may be given an exam to see how much fluid is in the body. The doctor may check to see if there are signs of an infection or pain. ‚  
The doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚  
  • Lab tests
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • CT or MRI scan
  • Endoscopy

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


The treatment for nausea and vomiting will depend on the cause. Sometimes, an exact problem is found, like an infection. Nausea can be treated with drugs your child can take by mouth or an I.V. Often, just getting fluids will help your child feel better. ‚  

Are there other health problems to treat?


There may be other problems to treat. These are based on the cause of your childs nausea and vomiting. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Stop your childs vomiting
  • Lower fever
  • Help your child's upset stomach

What problems could happen?


  • Too much fluid loss. This is dehydration.
  • Weight loss

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wash your childs hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
  • If your child is sick, have your child cover the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Your child can also cough into the elbow. Have your child throw away tissues in the trash and wash hands after touching used tissues.
  • Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
  • Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean often handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
  • Stay away from crowded places.
  • Have your child get a flu shot each year.

Helpful tips


  • Keep your child away from odors like cooking or perfume when feeling sick.
  • Put a cool, wet towel on your childs forehead.
  • Dress your child in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
  • If your child gets motion sickness, talk with the doctor about using an over-the-counter (OTC) drug like Dramamine or Bonine.
  • Distract your child by watching TV or a movie or reading a book. This may help to take your child's mind off an upset belly.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Pediatrics ‚  
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Treating-Vomiting.aspx ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/vomit.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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