The relationship between Nausea and vomiting in children

The relationship between Nausea and vomiting in children

THE CAUSES

Nausea and vomiting can be disruptive for children and disturbing for parents. Although very unpleasant, it is a normal physiological phenomenon, usually transient and safe. However, it is important to remain vigilant because nausea and vomiting can hide larger problems and cause complications.

The words nausea and vomiting often make one think of a disease that all parents fear: gastroenteritis. Very contagious, it sometimes comes to sow chaos in a household by spreading from one family member to another. Although this infection is often the cause of nausea and vomiting in children, other causes are also possible, such as:

• motion sickness;
• stress, nervousness;
• food poisoning;
• food intolerance;
• other infections;
• certain medicines;
• headaches;
• diseases of the digestive system;

etc.

Nausea and vomiting can occur independently of each other, but are often linked. Nausea is the feeling of discomfort that accompanies the eventual approach of vomiting. For its part, vomiting is the rejection of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

THE MAIN CONSEQUENCE: DEHYDRATION

When your child is vomiting, he loses fluid and electrolytes, which can cause dehydration. Infants are particularly at higher risk of dehydration. The signs and symptoms of dehydration that you should watch for if your child has vomiting are:

• dry mouth, tongue and skin;
• absence of tears;
• increase in thirst;
• decrease in the amount of urine;
• drowsiness or irritability;
• depression of the eyes;
• greyish skin;

depressing the soft space (fontanelle) on the baby's head.

To prevent and treat dehydration caused by vomiting, it is important to give back to your child what has been lost. To do this, there are oral rehydration solutions that you will find in pharmacy. They contain water, electrolytes and sugar. Before you buy, ask your pharmacist for help, as it will guide you how much to give your child according to his age and the seriousness of the situation. You may also be tempted to give your child a medicine to relieve nausea. However, their use in children, and especially in the youngest, is not recommended without medical advice. Always ask your pharmacist for advice before giving your child a prescription drug.

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR?

In general, nausea and vomiting are benign and transient. These may be the symptoms of a larger problem and cause complications. You must be vigilant and consult a doctor if necessary. Here are some examples of situations where a medical consultation is needed:

if your child has signs and symptoms of dehydration;

if your child is irritable or sleepy;

if your child vomits frequently and vomiting continues for more than 4 to 6 hours;

if your child is vomiting after a head injury;

if your child has a hard, swollen or sore belly between times when he is vomiting;

if your child is vomiting blood or a liquid that contains small black grains (such as coffee beans).

If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for help. He will ask you some questions and help you make the right decision. Depending on the cause of the nausea and vomiting, he can advise you on measures to prevent them, as for example in the case of motion sickness.

If nausea or vomiting occurs while the pharmacy is closed, you can also contact Info-Santé. Stakeholders with whom you will speak can guide you to appropriate health care.

Nausea and vomiting inconvenience both children and adults. We feel particularly helpless when it happens to our little darlings. Good care, support and proper supervision will help them get better quickly.