While vomiting in children is usually caused by a simple stomach virus, there are several other causes of vomiting to take into consideration as well. Viral causes usually require monitoring and little additional treatment, while other more severe causes may require immediate medical attention.
Food Poisoning
Children suffering from food poisoning may vomit frequently. Food poisoning is caused when the foods you eat are contaminated by parasites, bacteria, viruses, pesticides and toxins. Additional symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, intestinal cramps, fever and nausea. A child suffering from food poisoning will begin to exhibit these symptoms shortly after eating the contaminated food.
While food poisoning symptoms usually clear up within a few days, the condition can be life threatening. Make sure your child does not become dehydrated and consult a physician if your child's symptoms persist.
Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is a condition caused when the valve that allows food to empty the stomach thickens and becomes constricted. Pyloric stenosis usually becomes apparent in infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Babies with this condition tend to vomit after every feeding, usually with incidents of projectile vomiting. While your baby may appear healthy, pyloric stenosis can quickly cause weight loss and dehydration. Your pediatrician will have to do a sonogram to check your baby's stomach. Babies with this condition must undergo surgery to reopen the pylorus valve.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, also referred to as acute gastroenteritis, is an intestinal disorder commonly caused by a viral infection such as the norovirus and rotavirus, both of which are common in school-age children. The vomiting is usually accompanied by fevers, diarrhea and stomach cramping. The vomiting associated with gastroenteritis usually lasts for up to 3 days, while symptoms like diarrhea may remain intermittent for up to 2 weeks. As with most viruses, there is no cure for gastroenteritis, so it is important to make sure your child remains hydrated at all times.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an intestinal disorder that can come on very suddenly and be life threatening. The condition is accompanied by severe abdominal pain that is limited to the lower right abdominal region. The pain usually begins before the vomiting. Contacting your pediatrician or taking your child to the emergency room for immediate testing and treatment is critical.
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is usually caused by a blockage or by a condition in which the bowel does not work correctly to move fecal matter through the system. Regardless of the cause, an intestinal blockage will cause your child to vomit and may also cause diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramping, abdominal pain or bloating. Children with intestinal blockages need immediate medical treatment, including x-rays and CAT scans, to identify the cause. Doctors will first attempt to remove the obstruction by inserting a tube through the nose to reach the stomach and intestines. If that doesn't work, surgery may become necessary.
