It’s natural to feel anxious or frightened when your kid vomits. However, it is important to know that vomiting is typically not a sign of a severe health issue.
There are two most common causes of vomiting: a viral illness or a foodborne ailment. It usually only lasts a few days. Now, dehydration is the most pressing concern when your kid is vomiting. In this post, you’ll learn how to help your child feel better and remain hydrated.
Stay Calm
At this phase, you must remain calm. Don’t panic! Children may be able to sense your fear, and it’s likely to make them more uneasy.
Understand That Vomiting Is a Typical Part of a Virus
When your kid is vomiting, it’s most likely a symptom of a common ailment like the flu or the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). The body is reacting to the virus by throwing up.
Take Your Child to a Doctor If They Are Under the Age of One
Vomiting may be a sign of something more severe in children under one, so it’s suggested you take them to a doctor. If a pediatrician is unavailable, get advice from a medical doctor on the phone.
Stay Away from Certain Foods
When your child is vomiting, don’t give him soda, carbonated and fizzy drinks, or anything that contains citric acid. These types of food can worsen the situation.
Try to Choose Bland, Easy-to-Digest Foods
Avoid greasy and fatty foods, fried foods, and sugar-laden treats. Introduce your child to rice or chicken noodle broth, bananas, pears, applesauce, yogurt, and saltines or toast.
Make Sure Your Child Has Enough Water
Children who are vomiting don’t feel like drinking anything, so you must ensure they get enough water. Provide lots of fluids and keep your child hydrated.
If your child refuses to drink any fluid, you can try administering a little bit of water. You can put a few drops of water in their mouth, or you can give them a small amount of water with a dropper. You can also add a little bit of salt or sugar to their water to make it more palatable.
Replace Lost Electrolyte
Offer your child chicken noodle-style broth or a rice-based electrolyte drink to help replace lost electrolytes (minerals and salts). Mix unsweetened Pedialyte with a bit of sport drink to make your electrolyte drink.
Make Sure Your Child Is Getting Enough Fiber
A fiber supplement like Citrucel or Metamucil makes bowels movements easier.
Get Your Kid to Rest and Eat Little
Getting enough rest, fluids, and a robust immune system are the keys to defeating the virus. If your child is vomiting, they may not be compliant to eat. Give meal portions a little at a time. Also, keep your child in a comfortable, clean environment to rest and avoid getting a secondary infection.
Take Proper Precautions with Medicine
Don’t give your child any medicine unless a doctor recommends it. Never allow your child to take medication that is the wrong dosage.
Keep Your Child Active
When your child has the stomach flu (gastroenteritis), it’s a good idea to keep them engaged. Playing outside and doing something fun will help make them feel better.
Conclusion
Set your perspective in the proper focus. Know that vomiting is typically not a sign of a severe medical problem. It usually only lasts a few days. Dehydration is the most pressing issue when your kid is vomiting. Yes, it’s natural to feel stressed and worried, but stay calm. Remember that being calm is the best thing you can do for your child at this moment. Follow the steps outlined above to help your child recover.
Your Kids Urgent Care is the top children’s urgent care service in Vestavia, AL. Children in need of medical attention may turn to our team of pediatric specialists for high-quality care that is also easy for their parents. For both in-person and telemedicine appointments, please contact us now.
