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Most recurrent vomiting occurs because of a viral intestinal infection. Other causes include food intolerance or allergy, food poisoning, bacterial infections, or intestinal blockage. Most intestinal infections are accompanied by diarrhea.

Vomiting from intestinal infections usually resolves within 12-24 hours. The greatest concern is the possibility of dehydration. By altering your child's diet and using the following technique, you can decrease this possibility.

Home Care for Vomiting:

• After vomiting begins, wait a minimum of 30 minutes before rechallenging your child. Begin by offering small amounts of clear fluids. For infants begin with an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte, Infalyte, Kao-Lectrolyte, or Gerber electrolyte solution). For older children use ice chips, water, diluted Gatorade (1:1 with water), or flat soda.
• Begin with small amounts of the chosen liquid. Start with 1 teaspoon and give it every 4-5 minutes. After 4 hours without vomiting you can begin to double the amount given each hour as tolerated. If your child begins to vomit at the increased volume, then hold all fluids for 1 hour and then restart at a smaller amount. If your child is breast-feeding, continue to nurse but for much shorter periods. Begin with 4 or 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes and increase slowly as tolerated.
• After 8-12 hours without vomiting it is okay to begin some solid foods for those children who already have begun them. Start with bland foods such as crackers, bread, mashed potatoes and applesauce. Note: if your child is less than 12 months of age, you may resume his/her formula at this time.
• After 24 hours without vomiting you can resume your child’s normal diet. If diarrhea is part of the illness we encourage a BRAT diet. This stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce (not juice), and Toast. These are foods that help bind excess intestinal liquids while giving needed calories to the healing intestines.
• Do not give any anti-vomiting medication unless directed by someone from our office. Some episodes of vomiting are caused by intestinal obstructions or bacterial infections, and these medications can exacerbate the illness and delay proper therapy.

CALL OUR OFFICE

IMMEDIATELY if:

• Your child appears to be dehydrated (no urine in more than 8 hours, dry lips and mouth, absence of tears).
• The vomited material contains blood.
• The vomiting is bilious (fluorescent yellow or green fluid)
• Your child becomes unresponsive or acts very ill.
• Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours.
• You have any other questions or concerns.

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