Vomiting in the toddler

definition

From Vomiting in young children one understands the Emptying of stomach contents in large quantities. The slight belching of food that has just been consumed cannot therefore be described as vomiting.

Vomiting is controlled by the so-called vomiting center of the brain, which reacts to various circumstances and by jerking the diaphragm leads to gastric emptying. The causes can be diverse and both harmless and serious in nature.
Persistent vomiting should therefore medically clarified become the same when vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or diarrhea etc.

causes

The causes of vomiting in small children can be varied, but what they all have in common is the reaction path. Vomiting is one Response of the body to irritation of the vomiting center in the brain or one Overstimulation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which causes a sudden contraction of the diaphragm and thus conveys stomach contents back outside in the opposite direction.

The reasons for this can be found in different organ systems lie. A wide variety of infections and inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract, e.g. Gastroenteritis, passage disorders, Food intolerance etc. induce vomiting.
Just like that, a Disturbance of the balance organ, travel sickness, Inflammation of the brain or meninges as well as a Increase in intracranial pressure cause vomiting.

Also different Poisoning, such as. by Food, Medication or others Hazardous substances can result in vomiting, as well as Concussions or Bleeding in the brain after falls or accidents.
The psychological component should always not be forgotten, so that nausea and vomiting in toddlers and children always have one too Reaction to psychological stressful situations or mental illness.

Concomitant symptoms

Vomiting in young children can have various accompanying symptoms depending on the cause and severity of vomiting.
It is possible, for example, for infections additionally fever and other cold symptoms occur in gastrointestinal disorders as well stomach pain or even diarrhea.

If the toddler vomits several times, if he or she does not drink enough due to illness and if he loses more water due to diarrhea or fever, more can Symptoms of lack of fluids occur. The skin and the Mucous membranes are dry, the child may appear cloudy and overly sleepy, the pulse and breathing rate may be increased, and in the worst case cramps may occur. Occur these symptoms

Vomiting and fever in the toddler

Vomiting can occur with or without an accompanying fever, depending on the underlying cause of the vomiting.
Fever accompanies vomitingalways has to go to one infection be thought. Generally speaking, fever always means that the body's immune system is involved, mostly unknown pathogenic germs like bacteria, viruses or also fungi and parasites to fight.
The whole point of the rise in temperature is to get the body up to speed, so to speak, so that the entire immune system can react more efficiently and more quickly.
So if the vomiting is accompanied by a fever, it is a must Infectious diseases of any kind not just those of the gastrointestinal tract.
Vomiting without a fever can be classified as possibly more harmless and e.g. occur after stomach upset due to food intake, but should by no means be left unobserved or generally regarded as safe: Vomiting without fever after e.g. a fall or an accident can be a symptom of a very dangerous condition.

diagnosis

There is no specific way to diagnose vomiting. As a rule, those affected are asked whether the Vomiting is preceded by nausea or dizziness, if other symptoms In addition, it shows how often and in what quantities vomiting and what color and consistency the stomach contents were.
Since such an anamnesis is not possible in small children, the Questioning the parents which is usually the same as that of adults.
In addition, the toddler is still physically examinedto identify any other symptoms that may be present and to draw attention to any existing dehydration that may result from the loss of fluids when vomiting.

therapy

The right Treatment of vomiting in small children should always be based on the cause. If vomiting is a symptom of another disease, e.g. In the context of an infection, this should first be adequately treated in order to nip the cause in the bud.
The vomiting can always be treated symptomatically in parallel, for example by sufficient Hydration in the form of water and tea and food that is gentle on the stomache.g. Rusks, crispbread, dry white bread.
Furthermore you can also Medication administered that the Relieve nausea and stop vomiting, but should be prescribed by a doctor who should have seen the infant and assessed the need.

Vomex® for the treatment of vomiting

Vomex® is a drug to Therapy of nausea and vomiting and belongs to the group of so-called H1 antihistamines.
The actual Active ingredient is Dimenhydrinatewhich blocks certain receptors in the vomiting center of the brain and thus relieves nausea and vomiting.
For the therapy of small children, Vomex® is administered in the form of suppositories or juice, whereby exactly on the Dosage respected should be.
Children under 3 years of age are generally at an increased risk of side effects, so a Overdose strictly avoided should be.
The application should only take place for a short time, Persistent vomiting must be clarified by a doctor become.

What are small children allowed to eat when they vomit?

The toddler should continue to vomit despite vomiting Food will be offered, however, it is entirely possible that they refused to eat due to nausea.
Suitable for vomiting are light, non-irritating foods, zwieback, crispbread or dry white bread such as Pretzel Sticks are well-tried means.
However, it is much more important for the little ones enough liquid to compensate for the loss of fluids and minerals from vomiting.

Can be administered alongside clear water also teasthat have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, such as Chamomile tea or fennel tea.

To compensate for the loss of electrolyte, special rice gruel electrolyte solutions can be added, which can replenish the salt balance.

You might also be interested in: Home remedies for vomiting

When is vomiting dangerous in small children?

Vomiting in the toddler is always dangerous when it worsens the condition of the youngest to such an extent that life-threatening complications can occur.
That vomits Toddler often and also kicks, for example Fever or diarrhea, it loses excessive water through stool, vomit, and sweat, causing fluid loss to become one quickly Dehydration can lead. In addition, many minerals / electrolytes are also lost with the liquid, making it dangerous Shifts in the mineral balance can come.
Clouds the toddler, so it looks tired sleepy and listless, is Immediate action is indicated and a doctor should be consulted immediately become.
Each Vomiting after a fall or an accident should as well as in need of clarification and classified as potentially dangerous as it could result from injuries to the head or brain

When do small children need to see a doctor if they vomit?

A doctor should always be seen if that Vomiting occurs more than once or other symptoms noticeable that also affect the toddler.
This includes simultaneously occurring fever or accompanying diarrhea, striking Poor drinking or denying Fluid and food intake.
Also stomach pain of the toddler should encourage a visit to the doctor, just as if the vomiting after one Fall or accident occurs. The toddler looks noticeable listless and tired, is absolute be careful and a visit to the doctor is essential.

Duration of vomiting in young children

How long vomiting lasts in young children is not flat rate accept. Depending on the cause, vomiting may last more or less long.
Harmless vomiting, which can occur, for example, with an upset stomach after eating the wrong thing, should be disappear again within a day, however, the vomiting lasts longer and is other symptoms accompanied, should be a Consulted a doctor become. The doctor can then decide whether a medication should be given to treat nausea and vomiting and, if necessary, search for the cause in order to combat it appropriately and avoid complications.