A 2-year-old who is vomiting may have the stomach flu, food poisoning, an intestinal illness, a severe cough, a bladder infection or an intestinal obstruction. All of these conditions have specific signs and symptoms. Some are self-limiting and others, such as intestinal obstruction and meningitis, need immediate medical attention. When vomiting occurs with painful urination and no fever, one possibility is a kidney stone. Consult a health-care professional for vomiting and painful urination in a 2-year old.
Intestinal Illnesses
Viruses and intestinal infections such as rotavirus or salmonella usually start with a sudden onset of vomiting, stomach pain and fever. Food poisoning usually causes vomiting about two to 12 hours after eating the offending food, which is commonly spoiled mayonnaise, meat or salad dressing. Food poisoning may or may not be accompanied by a fever. A fever is usually a sign of an infection, so the absence of fever can indicate that the vomiting isn't caused by an infectious disease.
Potentially Serious Conditions
An intestinal obstruction is the most serious and potentially dangerous cause of vomiting in a 2-year-old. There will be severe abdominal pain, no bowel movements and pale sweaty skin. Your child may have projectile, or very forceful, vomiting that is dark green in color. Another potentially serious disease that may include vomiting is meningitis, but this disease is usually accompanied by a high fever and stiff neck, not painful urination.
Kidney Stones
One thing many parents may not consider in a 2-year old child is kidney stones. Kidney stones are becoming more common in children, however, according to a press release from the University of Michigan Health System. A family history of kidney stones, modern diet and lifestyle are the primary causes of kidney stones in children. A diet high in sodium or oxalate is a known risk factor in the formation of kidney stones, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dehydration
Dehydration can also be a factor in the formation of kidney stones, according to Dr. Caleb Nelson of Children’s Hospital of Boston. Children’s Hospital of Boston sees more Americans with kidney stones from the southeastern states, which have warm weather that's more likely to cause mild dehydration.
Considerations and Warnings
Although back and abdominal pain are common symptoms in children with kidney stones, nausea, vomiting and pain on urination are also possible signs of a kidney stone. Symptoms that may indicate a kidney stone include blood in the urine; flank or back pain; or painful urination. Kidney stones are more likely in school-age and older children, but they can occur in children as young as 2. If you think your child has a kidney stone, consult a health-care professional immediately.
