Vomiting is alarming to see. The most important thing is keeping your child hydrated
Most vomiting in children is caused by a stomach bug and settles within a day or two. A pediatric vomiting consultation checks hydration, finds the cause, and spots the few cases that need more attention.
Loose stools as well? If your child has diarrhea along with vomiting, see the diarrhea page.
See Diarrhea Consultation →Most vomiting settles quickly, and the focus is on fluids
The usual cause is a viral stomach infection. Most children recover without any tests or strong treatment. The main risk is dehydration, which is why the visit concentrates on how well your child is drinking and how to keep fluids in.
What a vomiting consultation covers
We look for the cause, and for how well your child is coping.
Hydration status
Dry mouth, tears, urine output and alertness show how much fluid has been lost.
The pattern
When it began, how often, what is vomited, and whether it is forceful or bile-stained.
Other symptoms
Fever, diarrhea, tummy pain, headache or cough.
Food and exposures
Recent meals, water, outside food, and others at home who are ill.
Examination
Tummy, throat, ears and general condition.
Rehydration plan
How to give fluids in small amounts that stay down.
Get urgent help if a child with vomiting
Don't wait for a routine appointment.
- Vomits green (bile-stained) or bloody fluid
- Has a swollen, hard or very painful tummy
- Is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake
- Shows dehydration: no tears, dry mouth, very little urine
- Has a severe headache, stiff neck, or has hit their head
- Can't keep down any fluids for many hours
- Is a young baby with forceful, repeated vomiting
- Might have swallowed something harmful, such as a poison or medicine
What is usually behind it
Different ages tend to have different causes.
Stomach infection
By far the commonest cause, often with diarrhea.
Food-related
Food poisoning or something that didn't agree.
Reflux in babies
Frequent, effortless spitting up that doesn't upset the baby is usually harmless.
Other illnesses
Infections elsewhere, such as the ear or urinary tract, can cause vomiting too.
What your child's visit includes
A conversation about what's happened
When it began, how many times, what it looks like, and what else has been going on.
A check of hydration
Looking for the signs of fluid loss, which guides what happens next.
Examining your child
Tummy, throat, ears, chest and general condition.
Tests, only if needed
Most children need none. If one is advised, the reason is explained.
A rehydration and recovery plan
How to give fluids, when to restart food, and what signs to watch for.
What to bring
Helping the doctor see the full picture
Notes on the vomiting
Number of episodes, timing, and colour.
How much your child has been drinking
And how often they've passed urine.
What they've eaten recently
And anyone else at home who's unwell.
Medicines your child takes
Including anything already given for this illness.
Dr. K. Sushma
Dr. Sushma's first question is always how well your child is drinking, because hydration guides everything else.
Questions parents often ask
Small, frequent sips are better than large drinks. Your doctor will advise the best fluid for your child's age and how much to offer.
Usually as soon as the vomiting settles and appetite returns, starting with light, familiar foods. Breastfeeding should continue.
Often not. Medicines are used only in particular situations and only when advised by a doctor.
It can be. Any repeated vomiting after a blow to the head needs urgent medical attention.
Child vomiting and you're not sure what to do?
Book a vomiting consultation with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
