Repeated vomiting in children

Content provided by Healthwise

Repeated vomiting in children

If your child vomits so often that he or she cannot drink or vomits every time he or she takes a drink, this is known as repeated vomiting. This type of vomiting makes it impossible for a child to hold down any fluids or solid food. The more episodes of vomiting that occur, the greater the chances that your child will become dehydrated. Your child has an even greater chance of becoming dehydrated if he or she also has an illness that causes diarrhea.

After your child vomits, wait 1 hour before giving him or her something to drink, such as diluted fruit juice or an oral rehydration solution. If your child vomits after taking a drink, wait about an hour before offering him or her more fluids.

A child who eats solid foods may have vomit that is the same color as something he or she recently ate, such as peas or squash. However, vomit that is green and clearly has not been colored by food may indicate a blockage in the digestive tract, such as pyloric stenosis or a bowel obstruction. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation.

Credits

Last updated:	July 12, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Terrina Vail