Vomiting is very common among children. It is unpleasant and distressing for the child and often worrisome for the parent. Many parents can wonder what is causing their child to vomit and whether it might be a sign of a more serious condition. According to the pediatrics website DrGreene.com, vomiting occurs when the brain receives signals from various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. The brain then triggers a contraction of the diaphragm and tightening of the stomach muscles against the upper stomach. As a result, the contents of the stomach are forced out.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of vomiting among children. Irritation of the stomach and intestines is caused by a viral infection, such as rotavirus. Vomiting usually starts suddenly and resolves within 24 hours. According to the medical site www.uptodate.com, viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and children often contract it by putting their hands in their mouth after contact with an infected child or object. Other symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain and nausea.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning causes vomiting in people of all ages. Food poisoning occurs from eating food that was improperly cooked or improperly stored and contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses that cause illness. According to uptodate.com, more than 75 million episodes of food poisoning occur annually in the United States, causing about 5,000 deaths per year. Some of the most common causes of food poisoning are salmonella, E. coli, hepatitis A, norovirus and listeria. Food poisoning's effects are amplified in children. Consult your child's doctor if food poisoning is suspected.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents move backward, or reflux, to the esophagus. According to KidsHealth.org, reflux is usually caused by dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter, a muscle lying between the stomach and esophagus. Reflux commonly causes "spitting up" in babies, but it can also be the cause of vomiting. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics' healthychildren.org website, spitting up is the easy flow of stomach contents out of the mouth, as opposed to vomiting, which is characterized by forceful muscle contractions. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is most common in babies, but it can occur in older children and teenagers, too. Constant reflux of stomach acid can cause complications beyond just spitting up and vomiting, such as irritation of the esophagus or breathing problems. In addition, babies and children with reflux can have problems getting adequate nutrition, since GERD can make eating difficult. It is important that children with GERD be under the care of a physician for appropriate treatment.
Other Causes
Other causes of vomiting in children include infections such as appendicitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and meningitis. Children with an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, such as pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the muscular valve at the base of the stomach is too narrow, often vomit. Vomiting also commonly occurs with head injuries. Neurological problems such as migraines, brain tumors and hydocephalus can cause vomiting, according to DrGreene.com. The many causes of vomiting in children reflect the diverse number of problems that can trigger the vomiting response. Recurrent vomiting is a reason to contact your child's doctor.
Dehydration
A serious consequence of vomiting in children is dehydration. Unfortunately, nausea can also occur as a result of dehydration, in turn causing more vomiting. Therefore, it is important to encourage your child to drink small amounts of clear liquids, such as an oral rehydration solution, when vomiting occurs, and to monitor your child for signs of dehydration. According to KidsHealth.org, in addition to nausea, common signs of dehydration include dry mouth, irritability, no urination, sunken eyes, weakness, disorientation or rapid pulse.
