VOMITING

What Causes Vomiting?

Anything which irritates the stomach or intestines may cause vomiting. The most common cause are viral infections, pregnancy, ear infection in children, anxiety, motion sickness, and mild forms of food poisoning. More serious, but less common, causes of vomiting are ulcers, poisoning, intestinal blockage or a serious infection such as appendicitis, meningitis, or gall bladder disease. Drinking alcohol may cause vomiting or make vomiting from another cause worse. Babies often spit up after eating. This is not the same as vomiting and is not serious as long as the baby is otherwise well and gaining weight.

What Is The Home Treatment For Vomiting?

Give sips of clear liquids every 15-20 minutes. Clear liquids include such things as coke, gingerale, Gatorade, clear fruit juices, and weak tea. Do not give orange juice and milk. Pedialyte® or Ricelyte® can be used for infants and can be bought at most grocery stores or drug stores. Continue clear liquids for 10-24 hours.
As vomiting decreases, the amount of liquid may be increased and other foods added slowly. Start with bland foods like crackers or toast, applesauce, mashed potatoes or grits, bananas and rice cereal.
Avoid alcohol.

When Should You Call The Doctor?

Call your doctor if:

vomiting continues for more than six to twelve hours despite home treatment.
vomiting occurs with stomach pain especially on the right side.
vomiting occurs with sleepiness, crankiness, or a stiff neck.
vomiting occurs with fever which lasts more than 24 hours.
vomitus contains blood or any material which looks like coffee grounds.
there is evidence of dehydration (extreme thirst, urinating less often than normal, skin or lining of mouth looks dry).
there is a repeated vomiting after head or stomach injury.

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