For many parents and caretakers, caring for a sick child is heart-wrenching and worrisome. When the child is battling bouts of spontaneous vomiting, these feelings only intensify. Spontaneous vomiting in children can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from simple causes to serious infections. However, with proper care and adequate fluids, spontaneous vomiting in children is usually harmless.
Stomach Conditions
According to KidsHealth, spontaneous vomiting in children is commonly caused by gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu. The condition typically involves a viral infection in the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, vomiting is accompanied by nausea, fever and diarrhea and only lasts for a few days. Other than gastroenteritis, spontaneous vomiting might also occur as a result of overeating, excessive coughing and food allergies.
Motion Sickness
QuickCare explains that "kids have a much lower vomiting threshold than adults," which puts them at a greater risk for spontaneous vomiting. In fact, a child's vomiting threshold is so sensitive that kids commonly experience motion sickness. Motion sickness might be triggered by virtually all forms of travel, including cars, bicycles and boats. When the motion sickness sets in, the child typically becomes extremely nauseous. As the motion sickness advances, spontaneous vomiting is likely. Prevent motion sickness by blocking the view out of side windows.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Although rare, some children are affected by cyclic vomiting syndrome. The Mayo Clinic defines the condition as a disorder that causes "bouts of severe nausea and vomiting that can last for days." In fact, some children experience multiple episodes of vomiting within one hour. The exact cause of the disorder remains unclear, although certain factors can trigger the condition. These triggers include emotional stress, excitement, specific foods, physical activity, temperature changes and sinus problems.
Prevention/Solution
Throughout the spontaneous vomiting, avoid dehydration by encouraging the child to drink clear liquids, such as clear soda or flavored electrolyte solutions. KidsHealth recommends up to 1 ounce of clear liquids every 15 minutes if tolerated by the child. Once the spontaneous vomiting has ceased for eight hours, introduce mild foods, such as crackers, dry toast, rice and soup broth. Throughout the vomiting episode, have the child rest in a slightly propped up position. Reclining into a full lying position may actually trigger the vomiting reflex.
Vomiting Dangers
In many cases, vomiting is not dangerous unless severe dehydration develops. However, as long as the child remains hydrated, she should not experience any health problems. In some cases, though, spontaneous vomiting could indicate a more serious health concern. If the child is projectile vomiting or vomiting bright green, yellow-green, bloody or "coffee grounds" vomit, contact a health professional immediately. Additionally, seek medical attention for spontaneous vomiting that begins after a head injury or is accompanied by intense stomach pain, severe headache and/or decreased mental alertness.
