What to give a 4 year old toddler to stop the vomiting?

(February 23, 2010)

Vomiting is commonly seen among toddlers, and in most cases, it is a temporary condition. In most cases it does not usually suggest anything seriously wrong with the child, but in some cases it can be jut a symptom of a serious disorder. Most toddlers tend to throw up due to gastroesophageal reflux, since they have relatively weak stomach muscles at that particular age. It is common for babies and toddlers to vomit between ages one - four, but in order to stop the vomiting it is important to know the the root cause.

Vomiting in a toddler could be due to the consumption of hard-to-digest foods or undercooked food. Vomiting under such conditions can be dangerous and could lead to severe dehydration. Other reasons why your toddler could be experiencing a vomiting bout could be due to:

•   A bacterial or viral infection: One of the most common reasons for vomiting could be a stomach bug or a similar intestinal disorder that affects your toddler's abdominal lining and intestines. Your toddler may also experience fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhea with a stomach infection. In most cases the vomiting stops within 10 to 24 hours of the infection but it is important to check with the pediatrician in case medication is required.

•   Respiratory infections or chest congestion can also cause vomiting in toddlers especially during coughing. It is also possible that an ear infection could lead to nausea and vomiting. Toddler Vomiting could also be one of the symptoms of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, or even appendicitis. If you suspect any of these conditions or of your toddler is experiencing additional symptoms to vomiting you must immediately seek a doctor.

•   Toxic substances in food: a toddler might experience vomiting if he/she has ingested a poisonous substance from chemical, plant, or medicinal sources. Food poisoning through contaminated water or food is also another possible cause.

•   Excessive crying or coughing: if your toddler has been coughing excessively or has been throwing a tantrum for an extended period of time, it can provoke vomiting in your toddler. A coughing or crying spell can activate the gag reflex and cause vomiting. If your child is otherwise healthy, there is no reason to be worried over the incident.

Vomiting can lead to dehydration especially if your child has a fever and experiences diarrhea in addition to vomiting. You must give your toddler electrolyte solutions but do not force the child to drink the solution while he is still vomiting. You might have to wait for a while till his stomach has calmed down. Offer your toddler small sips of the electrolyte solution every 10 minutes for a couple of hours. Continue to offer your child the solution till the vomiting has eased up.

Submitted by P T on February 23, 2010 at 10:35