Vomiting [6yr-Adult]
Vomiting is a common symptom that may be due to different causes. These include gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), food poisoning and gastritis. There are other more serious causes of vomiting which may be hard to diagnose early in the illness. Therefore, it is important to watch for the warning signs listed below.
The main danger from repeated vomiting is dehydration. This is due to excess loss of water and minerals from the body. When this occurs, body fluids must be replaced.
HOME CARE:
If symptoms are severe, rest at home for the next 24 hours.
You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) to control fever, unless another medicine was prescribed. [NOTE: If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or GI bleeding, talk with your doctor before using these medicines.] (Aspirin should never be used in anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a fever. It may cause severe liver damage.)
Avoid tobacco and alcohol use, which may worsen your symptoms.
If medicines for vomiting were prescribed, take as directed.
Once vomiting stops, follow these guidelines:
DURING THE FIRST 12-24 HOURS follow the diet below;
FRUIT JUICES: Apple, grape juice, clear fruit drinks, and electrolyte replacement drinks.
BEVERAGES: Soft drinks without caffeine; mineral water (plain or flavored), decaffeinated tea and coffee.
SOUPS: Clear broth, consommé and bouillon
DESSERTS: Plain gelatin, popsicles and fruit juice bars. As you feel better, you may add 6-8 ounces of yogurt per day.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS you may add the following to the above:
Hot cereal, plain toast, bread, rolls, crackers
Plain noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, chicken noodle or rice soup
Unsweetened canned fruit (avoid pineapple), bananas
Limit caffeine and chocolate. No spices or seasonings except salt.
DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS
Gradually resume a normal diet, as you feel better and your symptoms lessen.
FOLLOW UP with your doctor as advised if you are not improving over the next 2-3 days.
GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION if any of the following occur:
Constant right-sided lower abdominal pain or increasing general abdominal pain
Continued vomiting (unable to keep liquids down) for 24 hours
Frequent diarrhea (more than 5 times a day); blood (red or black color) or mucus in diarrhea
Reduced urine output or extreme thirst
Weakness, dizziness or fainting
Unusually drowsy or confused
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) oral or higher, not better with fever medication Yellow color of the eyes or skin.
® 2000-2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.