Vomiting [Child, 2-5yr]
Vomiting is a common symptom that may have different causes. Gastro-enteritis ("stomach-flu"), food poisoning and gastritis are the most common. There are other, more serious causes of vomiting that 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 with oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte or Rehydralyte. You can get these products at drug stores and most grocery stores without a prescription.
Vomiting in young children can usually be treated at home with the measures below. Medicines to prevent vomiting are usually not prescribed unless symptoms are severe. There is a greater risk of serious side effects when this type of medicine is used in young children.
HOME CARE:
FIRST :
To treat vomiting and prevent dehydration, give small amounts of fluids at frequent intervals.
Begin with ORS at room temperature. Give 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) every 1-2 minutes. Even if your child vomits, keep feeding as directed. Much of the fluid will still be absorbed.
As vomiting lessens, give larger amounts of ORS at longer intervals. Keep doing this until your child is making urine and is no longer thirsty (has no interest in drinking). Do not give your child plain water, milk, formula or other liquids until vomiting stops.
If frequent vomiting goes on for more than FOUR HOURS with the above method, call your doctor or this facility.
NOTE : Your child may be thirsty and want to drink faster, but if vomiting, give fluids only at the prescribed rate. Too much fluid in the stomach will cause more vomiting.
THEN :
AFTER TWO HOURS with no vomiting, give small amounts of full-strength formula, milk, ice chips, broth or other fluids. Avoid sweetened juices or sodas. Increase the amount as tolerated.
AFTER FOUR HOURS with no vomiting, restart solid foods (rice cereal, other cereals, oatmeal, bread, noodles, carrots, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, rice, applesauce, dry toast, crackers, soups with rice or noodles and cooked vegetables). Give as much fluid as your child wants.
AFTER 24 HOURS with no vomiting, go back to a normal diet.
NOTE : Some children may be sensitive to the lactose present in milk or formula, and symptoms may worsen. If that happens, use ORS instead of milk or formula during this illness.
FOLLOW UP with your doctor if your child does not show signs of improvement in the next 24 hours.
GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION if any of the following occur:
Repeated vomiting after the first four hours on fluids
Occasional vomiting for more than 48 hours
Frequent diarrhea (more than 5 times a day); blood (red or black color) or mucus in diarrhea
Blood in vomit or stool
Child is very fussy, drowsy or confused
Swollen abdomen or signs of abdominal pain
No urine for 8 hours, no tears when crying, "sunken" eyes or dry mouth
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) oral or 101.4°F (38.5°C) rectal or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
© 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.