Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Parents and Kids
  1. What Should I Do About My Child Vomiting?

What Should I Do About My Child Vomiting?

When your child begins to vomit, it can be scary for both the child and adults. Amanda Lloyd, MD, explains why it happens and what to do about it.

Feb. 21, 2022 • 5   min read

For both children and adults, vomiting is an experience no one wants to go through. When the body is attempting to rid itself of something it sees as harmful, this can trigger episodes of vomiting.

As a pediatrician with Rochester Regional Health, Amanda Lloyd, MD, is very familiar with calls and visits involving children vomiting. She discusses some of the causes, and how to treat the most common type.

Causes

Instances of vomiting are often the result of various illnesses. Some of these illnesses are milder in nature, while others can be more serious.

Mild illnesses might include:

  • Gastroenteritis – “stomach flu” (often caused by viruses)
  • Food poisoning
  • Migraine headaches
  • Motion sickness
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)

In some cases, vomiting may be a sign of a serious condition that requires more urgent attention, such as:

  • Gallstones
  • Pancreatitis
  • Appendicitis
  • New-onset diabetes
  • Pyloric stenosis in young infants
  • Head injuries
  • Meningitis
  • Brain tumors

Signs and symptoms

When diagnosing what is causing vomiting, pediatricians will take a child’s age and their medical history into account.

“It is important to know what was happening around the time when the vomiting first started,” Dr. Lloyd said. “Was there any recent injury? Are there associated symptoms? These are the things we should know.”

With gastrointestinal bugs, children will experience:

  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain/cramping
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite

Treatment

One of the things parents or caregivers will want to help their child with after vomiting is the loss of fluids. Make sure your child is replenishing what their body has lost.

Start by giving your child small sips of clear fluids to make sure they can keep it down. Once they are able to hold down liquids such as water, move ahead to drinks that have more flavor. Some examples include Pedialyte, popsicles, or diluted juice.

If an infant under the age of 6 months is vomiting, mothers should still continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Parents should not give them water; small amounts of Pedialyte are advised.

With more severe cases, if vomiting continues for more than 24 hours and your child is dealing with other symptoms such as fewer tears when crying, a dry mouth, a high fever or a more extended period of not eating, those might need more attention.

Anti-nausea medications are acceptable for children if a parent chooses to give it to their child. If a child starts to have diarrhea, parents should avoid giving them an anti-diarrheal medication such as Immodium.

Gastroenteritis is quite contagious and spreads by touching something contaminated, and then touching food/drinks or your mouth. It also can be spread from sharing foods/drinks with someone who is ill, or if you live in a household with someone ill. 

Calling your pediatrician

Call your child’s physician if your child:

  • Can’t keep fluids down
  • Is urinating less often (babies should have a wet diaper at least every 4-6 hours; older children should pee at least every 6-8 hours)
  • Shows signs of dehydration - dry mouth, crying with no tears, cracked lips, dizziness/lightheadedness, acting very sleepy or less alert than normal
  • High fever
  • Severe stomach/back pain
  • Headache or stiff neck
  • History of recent head injury
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours

If the dehydration is severe, a pediatrician may recommend visiting an urgent care or hospital to receive IV fluids.

There are symptoms to look out for that could point to something more serious when happening at the same time as vomiting.

Severe stomach or back pain could be a sign of appendicitis, while a stiff neck or headache might point to meningitis. In the same way, vomiting after a head injury could mean a child suffered a concussion. If any blood is brought up during vomiting, call your pediatrician immediately.

“Generally, it’s messy and gross,” Dr. Lloyd said. “Luckily most cases last 24 hours. It is highly contagious, but it is usually pretty short lived.”

NEXT STEPS Compassionate Care for Your Child

From birth through age 21, our providers and researchers are here to give your children the best possible care and help you as they grow.

Schedule An Appointment
parents and kids icon
ProviderPromo
Amanda R. Lloyd, MD
Pediatrics
View Profile
Recent Articles
Heart Care
Heart Disease Risks Women Should Know About

Heart disease causes the deaths of millions of Americans each year. These are some of the risk factors women in particular should be mindful of.

Neurology
Reducing Risk of Stroke through Exercise

Stroke is a preventable disease. Lifestyle choices, like increased exercise, can reduce your risk of stroke. Our experts recommend an exercise routine to help you stay healthy.

Neurology
Reducing Stroke Risk through Healthy Eating

Lifestyle changes can help prevent a variety of health conditions, including stroke. Learn what healthy eating habits can help reduce risk of stroke.

COVID-19
COVID-19 in the Rochester Region

COVID-19 information for the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, including current COVID cases, positivity and hospitalization rates, and guidance about COVID vaccines and boosters

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Closings & Cancellationss
  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Hive - News Hub
  • Our Services
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2022 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy