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Causes
Vomiting in children is most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. A high fever may also trigger vomiting. Vomiting can be the body’s reaction to eating spoiled food—for example, food left at room temperature for too long before being refrigerated. Nervousness, emotional stress, or tension can also cause an upset stomach. In addition, particularly in children, stomach upset can be brought on by:
Self-Care
Fortunately, there are sensible and safe home remedies that can satisfy your child’s need for fluids and provide relief. Over-the-counter medications are rarely necessary. They won’t speed recovery, and your child will get well without them.
Steps to Help Your Child Feel Better
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Give 1 teaspoon room temperature Infalyte, Pedialyte, half-strength Gatorade, or homemade rehydrating solution every 1 to 2 minutes to prevent dehydration. Increase amounts and intervals as your child can tolerate it. Children who are vomiting are not in immediate danger of dehydration if they are drinking adequately and urinating regularly.
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If your child vomits, allow the stomach to rest for a half hour and start over with rehydration.
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Fluids such as soda, apple juice, chicken broth, or full-strength Gatorade are not good replacement fluids for dehydration. The high concentration
of sugar draws fluid from the cells, adding to the potential for dehydration. High salt content can have the same effect, so broth and salty fluids should also be avoided.
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Water should not be used as the only fluid for dehydration but can be given in small amounts in addition to Infalyte and Pedialyte.
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Give your child liquid in small amounts, so it is easily absorbed by the stomach and won’t cause further irritation. Too much liquid can lead to continued vomiting.
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When your child can keep liquids down, return to a regular diet. Encourage complex carbohydrates, such as rice, potatoes, bread, cereal, lean meats, yogurt, bananas, applesauce, and vegetables.
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It’s not unusual for children to have a decreased appetite after vomiting, but make sure they are drinking adequate fluids. Avoid fruit juice, which may lead to diarrhea.
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Over-the-counter medications to stop nausea and vomiting aren’t necessary and are not recommended. Vomiting will usually stop on its own within 12 to 24 hours.
About Rehydrating Solutions
Pedialyte and Infalyte are fluid replacement solutions that can be given for mild to moderate dehydration. They should not be used as your child’s only calorie source for more than 24 hours.
You can make a temporary rehydrating solution at home, using ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 quart water. This should only be used until you can purchase Infalyte, Pedialyte, or Gatorade (use Gatorade diluted to half strength), because it doesn’t contain necessary potassium.
Children often don’t like the taste of rehydrating solutions. Purchase flavored formulas, or improve the taste of solutions by adding a sprinkle of Kool-Aid or NutraSweet.
Rehydrating solutions are also available as Popsicles. Be careful your child doesn’t eat them too quickly. Like liquid rehydrating solutions, they should only be given a teaspoon at a time.
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