You tuck your child into bed each night. You do your best to provide for their well being and safety. So when your child wakes up vomiting you naturally worry. Seeing your child feel unwell and not knowing the cause for their discomfort produces anxiety in even the best of parents.
Stomach Flu
Stomach flu and viruses commonly cause nighttime vomiting in children. Vomiting caused by stomach flu comes on suddenly and is often accompanied by a fever. Diarrhea often begins within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. No specific test identifies the presence of a stomach virus. Medical diagnosis is made from the child's symptoms. Stomach flues may last up to 72 hours. Most children recover fully from the stomach flu.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning comes from food contaminated with harmful bacteria. The onset of symptoms from food poisoning begin two to 12 hours after consumption of the tainted food. A child vomiting from food poisoning does not have a fever. The nighttime vomiting from food poisoning should end around 12 hours from the initial onset of symptoms. Although food poisoning sounds quite severe, most children recover fully with no lasting complications.
Intestinal Blockage
Intestinal blockage occurs when the intestine becomes twisted or obstructed. Intestinal blockage is a medical emergency and warrants seeking immediate medical attention for your child. A blockage of the intestine causes severe pain. If your child describes mild pain, his vomiting probably originated from a source other than intestinal blockage. When in doubt seek medical attention for your child. Always err on the side of caution and safety.
Strong Emotions
Children sometimes experience nighttime vomiting because of strong emotions. Nightmares that leave your child feeling afraid can cause him to vomit. Anxiety over an upcoming event or an upsetting day at school can cause vomiting. Even happy emotions or being excited can cause your child to vomit. The frequency of nighttime vomiting caused by strong emotions decreases as your child grows older. Refrain from showing a great deal of anxiety regarding your child's nighttime vomiting. Your child will likely become more frightened if he senses that you are upset.
Cause for Concern
If your child shows signs of dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. Signs of severe dehydration include pale skin color, rapid heart rate, extreme thirst, sunken eyes, decrease in urination, and delirium. In infants the soft spot or fontanel may appear sunken inward. Seek medical attention for severe diarrhea, vomiting more than eight hours or inability to keep fluids down. Infants who vomit, stop feeding normally and display a bulging soft spot warrant medical evaluation to rule out meningitis.
