Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is one of the primary causes of vomiting in children. In most instances, the inflammation is viral, although bacterial infections can also be a contributing factor.
When the gastroenteritis affecting your child is of viral origin, it is expected that symptoms will begin to improve within 1-3 days; however, some symptoms may persist for 7-10 days. In addition to vomiting, you may observe other symptoms in your child, including:
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal cramps.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can also lead to vomiting in children, so it is important to closely monitor your child while they eat and be aware of any symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction. Other symptoms that may accompany vomiting include:
- The appearance of a red, raised, and itchy rash.
- Swelling around the face (including the eyes, lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth).
If you notice these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a physician to identify the cause and determine the appropriate course of action.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can cause a child to vomit shortly after consuming contaminated food, often within hours. Symptoms such as diarrhea may also occur subsequently, and the risk of foodborne illness increases if food is left out for extended periods.
Common food sources that may lead to food poisoning include:
- Meat.
- Poultry.
- Eggs.
- Shellfish.
- Unwashed vegetables.
Ingestion of Toxic Substances
Children often put various items in their mouths during play, and some of these items may be toxic, potentially resulting in vomiting and other symptoms. If you suspect that your child’s vomiting is due to the ingestion of a toxic substance, contact a healthcare professional immediately for assessment and necessary action.
Urinary Tract Infections
Vomiting can be a symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young children. These infections may also present with the following symptoms:
- Fever.
- Increased irritability.
- Pain during urination.
- Decreased urination.
- Foul-smelling urine.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation affecting the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In children, this condition can lead to vomiting along with several other symptoms, including:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Stiff neck.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Rash.
Although it is a relatively rare condition, prompt medical treatment is crucial as meningitis can result in severe complications. If you observe these symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a common condition in newborns that can cause vomiting, often with a greenish tint, alongside abdominal swelling. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, often necessitating surgical procedures.
Concussion
Children are frequently at risk for head injuries during play, and such injuries can sometimes result in a concussion, which may lead to vomiting, among other symptoms, such as:
- Headaches.
- Blurred vision.
- Difficulty walking or speaking.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty waking up.
- Loss of consciousness.
These symptoms may not become apparent until one to two days following the head injury, so it is essential to take your child to a doctor if they exhibit these symptoms after sustaining a head injury.
Certain Medications
Several medications have the potential to cause vomiting in children. For instance, ibuprofen (such as Advil) can irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
Other medications that may induce vomiting in children include:
- Some asthma medications.
- Iron supplements.
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).