Vomiting in children older than one year: why does it occur?


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Vomiting in babies and infants is usually quite common and usually does not mean that something is wrong (in fact). However, seeing children vomiting older than one year can be a warning sign for many parents.

The causes of this happening can be several.

First of all, it will be necessary to study both the symptoms and the amount of vomiting that is being produced. They are usually part of another disease, so they are usually accompanied by other symptoms: diarrhea, cough, earache, fever, headache … In addition, they can indicate that a blow to the head has been given in the case of head trauma, or that you have eaten something that is not good for you, which is why your body would want to vomit and expel it.

Given this problem, we remember that the child should never be forced to eat and that hydration is very important, the smaller it is, the more it is, since vomiting can dehydrate it a lot.

Even so, if you eat or drink, it should be in small amounts to avoid rejecting it. Normally they recover in 1 or 2 days, so it is not urgent to visit the pediatrician, but if we are not sure, we do not remain calm or we have doubts, it is always better to make an appointment. But if we observe other symptoms, such as paleness, or blood in the vomit, it is important that we see a doctor to diagnose our child.

Cause: Gastroenteritis

It is a disease of viral origin (by rotavirus almost always) that usually presents with, (abundant, liquid and acid stools) and, sometimes, decay.

What to do

  • Offer him liquids, water and a rehydrating drink appropriate to his age, which we can get at the pharmacy , already prepared.
  • Very little fluid needs to be given at a time, but very often.
  • It is important never to give rehydration drinks for adult athletes (a fairly common practice), as they can be dangerous for children and cause saline poisoning from excess sodium. There are rehydrating solutions adapted to your age that can be purchased in pharmacies, (better if they are already prepared)
  • It is essential not to force or insist him to eat , and it is preferable not to feel full.
  • Meals will be as widely spaced as possible to give the child time to digest well.
  • We will avoid a hypocaloric one, because the child needs calories and nutrients that he has lost during the. You have to offer him a rich and varied diet, within what he prefers.
  • We will avoid formulas prepared at a lower concentration, such as reduced milk, but they will not be low in calories or astringent.

Cause: Mucus and cough

Children with upper respiratory problems may vomit , especially in the morning, due to the accumulated mucus.

The sensation of in the pharynx, together with the cough, also causes vomiting. Swallowing mucus makes vomiting easier because it irritates the stomach.

What to do

In these cases, as in most diseases in which it is simply a symptom , the cause that causes mucus and cough (adenoitis, rhinopharyngitis, etc.) must be treated.

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