Vomiting in Children
Vomiting in a certain way is good as it expels bad and harmful substances out of the body. It may also be used for early diagnosis of other underlying problems (problems with kidneys, pancreas, etc.). So here are other causes of vomiting in children:
- Gastroenteritis. Is a stomach infection caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.These harmful microbes irritate the stomach lining. This can be due to eating contaminated food or putting the hands inside the mouth.
- Food poisoning. Food poisoning can be contaminated by microbes which can cause gastroenteritis or the food can be contaminated by harmful chemicals which upset the stomach.
- Lactose intolerance. Children with lactose intolerance are allergic to milk and other dairy products. They do not have the enzymes that can breakdown lactose.
- Pyloric stenosis. This is common among infants, wherein the muscle between the stomach and the intestine becomes enlarge, preventing proper food digestion.
- Stress. This can be a factor when the child is usually pressured and stressed out in school, at home or when he or she is with his or her playmates, etc..
- Motion sickness. Children that are not used to traveling, either in land, sea or in air may experience vomiting and nausea.
Home Remedies for Vomiting
Vomiting can be very uncomfortable for the child and can cause panic in most parents. So here are some home remedies that can be done and some tips on how to prevent vomiting:
- Giving water to the child. The child will usually acquire an acidic taste in his or her mouth, the water can be used to wash away the sour taste and can rinse off the mouth.
- Providing electrolytes. Aside from water, it is important to give the child electrolytes, like adding sugar and salt to water. Oral dehydration solution can also be given instead of water with sugar and salt.
- Avoid giving dairy products to a child if she or he is lactose intolerant. There are dairy products available in the market that is for children with lactose intolerance.
- Prepare food well. Making sure that the child only eats well-cooked and clean foods can prevent any infections.
- Unwind to prevent stress. Playing with children and bonding with them can help them relax from pressures in school, at home, etc.
- Giving anti-emetics or medication against motion sickness. This over the counter drugs are available in chewable tablets that the children can take. It would also help, while travelling, that the child gets air and is in a window seat.