The Barfing Blues: What to Know When Your Child is Vomiting

Alamo City Moms Blog is partnering with Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care to share this information with our readers. This is a sponsored post by Alicia Tezel, MD, FAAP.

As a mom of four, I am intimately familiar with “throw-up.” In our car, we had a designated throw-up bucket just in case something happened on a long drive, which it almost always did. Don’t worry—we sanitized the bucket frequently. Barfing, throwing up, puking…all parents are familiar with these terms. It is the “why” that keeps us up at night.

Why is my child vomiting?
Why are they vomiting but don’t have a fever?
Why is this happening?!

And most of all:

What can I do?

There are several causes for vomiting, including food poisoning, headaches, and viruses. One of the main causes of vomiting in children is a stomach virus, or “gastroenteritis.” If this is the case, your child might also experience diarrhea, fever, and/or abdominal cramps. Viruses, like the flu, or food poisoning can cause your child to vomit with or without fever. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, can make you vomit as well.

If your child is vomiting, there are several things you can do to help them feel better. For the first 24 hours after your child begins vomiting, limit solid foods. Instead, offer clear liquids to keep your child hydrated. Keep in mind that fluids should be given very slowly and in very small amounts so your child does not vomit again (a teaspoon or less at a time initially). Gradually increase the amount of fluids as your child improves. Most of the time vomiting will stop on its own. Never give your child medication for vomiting unless it has been prescribed by a medical provider. After six to eight hours without vomiting, suggest bland foods (saltines, bread, rice, etc.). Typically, children will be back to a semi-normal diet after 24 hours. If your child is experiencing diarrhea, the diarrhea may last a few more days.

The main risk with vomiting is dehydration. I remember my children not wanting to eat or drink when they felt sick because they were scared they would throw up again. However, it’s a good idea to combat dehydration by offering extra fluids such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or water. Drinking through a straw helped my children to take in small amounts of liquid at a time to avoid nausea. You could also use a medication syringe to dispense liquids to a nauseated child.

Pay attention to symptoms of dehydration whenever your child has been vomiting. Here are some signs of dehydration to look out for:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dark-colored urine or none at all
  • Not sweating
  • Lightheadedness or weakness

Call your pediatrician if your child…

  • displays signs of dehydration.
  • vomits up blood or a coffee-ground looking substance.
  • has abdominal pain when not vomiting.
  • begins to act confused.
  • does not have diarrhea and is vomiting for more than 24 hours.
  • begins to have bloody diarrhea.
  • is unable to keep liquids down.

Little Spurs is a pediatric urgent care location in San Antonio and Houston. Accredited by the Urgent Care Association, Little Spurs is open seven days a week and sees children ages 0–21 years old. Little Spurs accepts most insurances, including Medicaid and Tricare. Learn more here: https://www.littlespurspedi.com.

Alamo City Moms
Alamo City Moms is written by a collaborative and diverse group of mothers. We strive to provide moms with relevant, timely and fun information about all things mom here in the greater San Antonio area.