Often, a child's vomiting is the result of a simple illness, but it can be a symptom of a more serious physiological problem or an eating disorder. The National Institutes of Health recommends contacting a doctor if your child vomits repeatedly, acts lethargic or cannot retain fluids for at least eight hours.
Common Causes
Vomiting is a reaction to a range of issues in children. Stomach flu commonly causes vomiting. Food poisoning can be to blame. Some children become nauseous from too much motion. Even simple car rides can cause them to vomit. If a child eats too much, she may throw up. If she has an illness that is causing a high fever, her body may respond by vomiting. A severe cough can also cause vomiting in children.
Uncommon Causes
On the website Pediatrics for Parents, Dr. John Monaco explains that vomiting that appears to have no cause can be a result of amplified pressure within the cranium. Conditions such as a simple concussion or internal bleeding can cause the pressure.
Cyclic vomiting can also be the cause of unexplained vomiting. Severe nausea and dry heaves accompany repeated vomiting with this condition. It's very serious and can be devastating, advises Dr. Monaco. If you think your child may be experiencing cyclic vomiting, contact his pediatrician.
Diagnosis
One way a physician searches for the cause of unexplained vomiting is to order an X-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract, Kids Health says. To prepare for this test, the child drinks a thick liquid called barium sulfate. Then an X-ray camera takes pictures of the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine using beams of radiation. Though the exam takes about 20 minutes, the child is only exposed to radiation for a short time.
Treatment
If your child is vomiting repeatedly, keep her hydrated with clear liquids. The website Quick Care recommends encouraging your child to rest. Movement can make nausea and vomiting worse. The website also suggests temporarily stopping medications until your child is able to keep them down. Also, do not let her eat solid food until the vomiting has stopped. If vomiting persists for more than a day, give your child an oral rehydrating solution. If the vomiting persists, contact the child's physician.
Warning
Repeated vomiting should be taken seriously. It can be a sign of a serious medical problem. If not treated, vomiting can have long-term effects on a child. Unexplained vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and weight loss. If a child vomits in excess, he may end up with damaged internal organs and tooth decay, according to the website Eating Problems.
