13 March 2019 Vomiting can be associated with many situations, which may or may not be of gastrointestinal origin , and does not necessarily indicate there is a serious problem. In children , vomiting is often one of the signs of acute gastroenteritis - an infectious disease of the gastrointestinal system that is usually benign. What can you do when a child is vomiting? When a child is vomiting, there are a number of factors that determine the most appropriate action to take , these include: Age; Frequency and duration of vomiting episodes; Other associated symptoms. It is important not to forget that infants and young children can quickly become dehydrated , especially when the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea . Therefore, in order to avoid dehydration, it is particularly important to replace the liquids that have been lost by the body. For about half an hour after an episode of vomiting, the child should not be given anything to eat or drink. After this period of time, offer the child small amounts of liquids at room temperature : about 5 ml (a teaspoon) every 5 minutes. Suitable liquids to give the child at this stage are oral hydration serum or weak sweet black tea . When the child is hungry, it can be given some food , always in small quantities and to be eaten at their own pace, including: Dry crackers or water biscuits; Toast; Fat-free soup; Cooked or grilled food. The amount offered shall be increased progressively , according to the child’s tolerance to food. When should medical attention be sought for children who are vomiting? The family doctor should always be contacted when children aged under 6 months are vomiting. For older children, the family doctor should be contacted when severe abdominal pain and high fever (body temperature above 39.5°C) are present at the same time as vomiting. Medical care should be sought as a matter of urgency when: Vomiting is persistent and liquids offered are not tolerated; Vomiting gets progressively worse; Children are suffering with severe exhaustion, or are extremely irritable or complaining a lot; Children show signs of dehydration, including: Dark circles around the eyes; Dry mouth; Sunken fontanelle (the “soft spot” of a baby’s head); Crying without tears; Decreased diuresis (the child stops urinating - dry nappies). At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are paediatric specialists who monitor the health of children and young people. This article was written by the pediatrics doctors from the Hospital da Luz network . Our Health Guide contents have an information purpose, are intended for the general public and may not be up to date. They do not replace the information, opinion and individual advice of a doctor or other healthcare professional in their areas of expertise.
