Treating Vomiting: What to Do When Your Child is Throwing Up

In most cases, vomiting will stop without specific medical treatment. The majority of cases are caused by a virus and will get better on their own. Keep in mind that you should never use over-the-counter or prescription remedies unless they've been specifically prescribed by your pediatrician for your child and for this particular illness.

Watch for dehydration

When there is continued vomiting, you need to make certain that your child doesn't get dehydrated. Dehydration is when the body loses so much water that it can no longer function efficiently.

If it becomes severe, dehydration it can be serious and life-threatening. To prevent it, make sure your child consumes enough extra fluids to restore what has been lost through throwing up. If they vomit these fluids back up, notify your pediatrician.

Modify your child's diet

For the first 24 hours or so of any illness that causes vomiting, keep your child off solid foods. During this time, encourage them to suck or drink small amounts of electrolyte solution (ask your pediatrician which one). Also see "Drinks to Prevent Dehydration When Your Child is Vomiting.") Liquids not only help to prevent dehydration, but also are less likely than solid foods to stimulate further vomiting.

Be sure to follow your pediatrician's guidelines for giving your child fluids. Your doctor will base this on requirements like those described below.

Estimated oral fluid & electrolyte needs for children

1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
1 ounce = 30 ml
*NOTE: This is the smallest amount of fluid that a normal child requires. Most children drink more than this.

How long should my child be on a liquid diet?

In most cases, your child will just need to stay at home and receive a liquid diet for 12 to 24 hours. Your pediatrician usually won't prescribe a drug to treat the vomiting, but some doctors will prescribe antinausea medications to children.

If your child also has diarrhea, ask your pediatrician for instructions on giving liquids and adding solids back into their diet.

When to call the pediatrician

If your child can't keep any clear liquids down, or if the symptoms get worse, notify your pediatrician. They will examine your child and may order blood and urine tests or x-rays to make a diagnosis. Occasionally hospital care may be necessary.

Remember

Until your child feels better, remember to keep them hydrated, and call your pediatrician right away if they show signs of dehydration. If your child looks sick, the symptoms aren't improving with time, or your pediatrician suspects a bacterial infection, they may perform a stool culture and treat appropriately.