Having a sick child can be worrying, especially when he or she is vomiting and can't help it. However, calm down. Vomiting is usually not a serious problem. Generally, you can treat these symptoms at home until they have completely passed. However, if the problem becomes more complicated, chronic, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical care.
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Method 1 of 2: Caring for Children at Home
Step 1. Make sure your child stays hydrated
A lot of body fluids are lost during vomiting. You should try to keep your child hydrated when experiencing these symptoms. Water is the best choice, but various other types of drinks can also increase fluid intake in the body.
- Encourage the child to slightly suck the liquid every 10 minutes (if possible). Try putting a drink next to him at all times.
- Give only clear drinks. Some acidic or fizzy drinks like ginger ale and lemonade can also help.
- Ice lolly, popsicles, Italian ice, and other ice-based dishes can replace liquids. This treat should be based on frozen water, not ice cream (solid milk often gives stomach aches). While these treats shouldn't be a major fluid intake, many children will enjoy these treats with pleasure. In addition, because they are unable to swallow these dishes, they tend to drink them at a rate that is safer for the stomach. #*Soup can also help with hydration. Choose clear soups or broth-based ones. Avoid tomato, potato, and cream soups. Soups like the classic chicken noodle soup are the perfect choice.
- Be careful with energy drinks. While this drink contains water, electrolytes, and tastes great, it is also highly concentrated. At this rate, things could get worse. Pediatric re-hydration fluids or water are usually preferable.
Step 2. If the child is vomiting actively, do not give solid food for 24 hours
At this time, children should not eat solid food. Use electrolyte solutions for children and seek recommendations from your pediatrician. Also, provide something like gelatin, sugar water, and popsicles instead of solid foods.
- Most children who are actively vomiting will also not want to eat.
- Some children really want to eat when they feel nauseous; they usually confuse stomach cramps with hunger pains. If your child has this habit, be careful and watch out.
Step 3. Avoid strong odors and other nausea triggers
Some children (and people in general) find that smells trigger nausea. Food and cooking odors, perfume, cigarettes, heat, humidity, and flickering lights can make nausea worse. However, this varies from person to person. If your child complains, make sure the room is comfortable and well-lit, and cannot be penetrated by strong smells from outside.
Step 4. Allow the child to rest
Usually, children who feel nauseous will also feel quite lethargic. However, sometimes children will ignore this symptom if they are having fun or are engrossed in an activity. Some children will even become a little more hyperactive when they are sick. However, be aware that too much physical activity can make the symptoms worse.
Step 5. Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter anti-nausea medications will help with nausea. However, many of the available options are not safe for children. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations on over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve stomach pain in your child. Make sure you follow all the instructions on the box when giving the medicine.
Step 6. Give plain food
After 24 hours, you can start giving your child solid food if the vomiting has stopped. Foods with less flavor or texture are easier to store in the stomach.
- Many pediatricians used to recommend the BRAT diet. It stands for Banana (banana), Rice (rice), Apple sauce (apple sauce), and Toast (toast). These foods are believed to be easier to digest, giving the intestines a chance to rest and recover. Modern pediatricians feel this diet lacks nutrients for healing. However, in the first few days since your child is sick, the BRAT diet may help. These foods will be easier to eat because of the nausea. Try feeding your child these foods. After a day or two, continue with a normal healthy diet filled with carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.
- Gelatin (such as Jello) and crackers are also easier for children to eat. If he can eat these foods, try cereals, fruit, and salty/high-protein foods.
- Foods that contain a lot of fat and spicy foods should be avoided as they can worsen the symptoms. You should not try to give solid food until at least six hours after the child has finished vomiting.
Method 2 of 2: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Know when medical help is needed
Nausea is usually the result of a mild illness or flu and does not require medical attention. However, in certain circumstances, you should make an appointment with your pediatrician.
- The child should see a doctor if the vomiting lasts more than 24 hours, or 12 hours in an infant less than one year old.
- Babies or small toddlers are more prone to dehydration than older children. Snoring babies who are constantly vomiting need medical help much more quickly than teenagers. If your child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, no tears when crying, weakness or dizziness, or decreased frequency of urination/activity, you should take him to the doctor.
- If your child vomits blood or has bloody stools, take them to the emergency room immediately. These could be signs of a serious medical condition.
- If your child has a high fever with vomiting or diarrhea, or has severe stomach pain, he or she should see a doctor.
- If your child can't drink fluids continuously, he or she will need an IV for rehydration or a prescription for nausea and vomiting. If you believe it was caused by something he ate, you should take him to the doctor for food poisoning or some nasty illness.
Step 2. Get your child physically checked
If he continues to be unable to swallow food, get him checked. The doctor will take advantage of his basic medical history and perform tests. The doctor will also ask about the medicines that are eaten and the health condition of the child. Depending on the condition, the child may have to undergo further tests such as blood tests.
Step 3. Ask about medications
Your doctor may suggest giving certain medications to treat vomiting. Ask any questions about dosage and side effects.
- Several drugs were previously used to stop or slow attacks. These medications include anti-nausea, anti-anxiety medications, and sometimes sedatives.
- Preventive therapy is aimed at reducing or treating vomiting and diarrhea. This therapy is usually recommended if the child often falls ill.
Step 4. Consider stress control training
If your child often has trouble swallowing food, stress may be the problem. Stress control training can help address the main factors that cause vomiting.
- Stress control training helps a person become aware of the early signs of a stress reaction. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, are usually taught first. The therapist may also teach your child behavioral strategies to reduce stress.
- If you are interested in stress management therapy for children, talk to your doctor. He or she can provide a referral to a therapist. You may also be able to find a therapist through your insurance provider.
Step 5. Try nutritional therapy
Nutritional therapy shows what your child has eaten with the aim of looking for any foods that may be triggering vomiting. Usually, a registered dietitian will work with you and your child to find a suitable meal plan for their specific needs. Talk to your doctor about this nutritional therapy. He should be able to recommend a dietitian for you and your child.
Tips
- Encourage rest periods and quiet activities such as watching, coloring, or looking at books.
- If your child wants to throw up in the middle of the night, keep a large plastic bowl on her bedside table so she doesn't have to run to the bathroom.
- Cover surfaces such as beds and sofas with old towels. If your child vomits, you won't be so sad.
