Keith Nicholl Medical Centre

Nausea and vomiting in young children is usually caused by a viral infection often known as stomach flu. With careful home treatment vomiting can usually stop within 12 hours. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever. Diarrhoea often starts as the vomiting stops and may last a few days.

Nausea is very unpleasant but, in itself, rarely harmful. Vomiting, however, can lead to the loss of large amounts of fluids, leading to dehydration. For this reason, as well as it being very unpleasant, it should be brought under control as soon as possible.

Early signs of dehydration are:-

1. Less frequent and more concentrated urine. The urine is often darker in colour and may have a strong odour.
2. If your baby wears nappies you may find you are changing them less often.
3. Needing to drink or feed more frequently.
4. Fussiness.

How to prevent dehydration: -

1. Give only clear fluids for the first 12 hours.
2. Try plain flat 7-up or ginger ale.
3. Offer sips of fluid and take the drink away for 10 mins. This prevents the stomach from becoming overloaded, which may make the nausea and vomiting worse.
4. Breast fed babies should continue with normal feeding regime. You may find that they are feeding more often.
5. Avoid acidic juices such as orange juice and don’t worry about diet.

One the vomiting and nausea has subsided, do not rush back into normal diet.

After 12 hours give small amounts of plain easily digestible foods such as plain rice, plain toast or banana. Increase the diet slowly, ensuring that sufficient fluids are taken.

Avoid spicy and greasy foods at this time.

When to see the Doctor

If your child has any of the following: -

1. Your child continues to vomit for more than 8 hours
2. The child appears dehydrated and generally unwell.
3. If you are at all worried.