Vomiting How to Quell the Queasiness

How to Quell the Queasiness

Was it too much cake and ice cream at your first-grader's birthday party? Something in the sausage pizza? Or that third ride on the merry-go-round? What prompted that colorful return of lunch may keep you guessing. But one thing you know for sure: You hope it doesn't happen again.

And in most cases, it won't. ''Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis,'' says pediatrician Marjorie Hogan, M.D., an instructor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and pediatrician at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. ''That's a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract which is simple and self-limiting.'' In other words, it probably won't last long.

On the other hand, if vomiting does continue, it could lead to dehydration. '' Vomiting a few times is usually no big deal,'' says Dr. Hogan. ''Kids usually have enough fluid on board. It's when vomiting persists, when it's accompanied by diarrhea or when the child is a baby or toddler that you need to be careful.'' Older children are more able to tell you when they're parched and thirsty. '' With infants,'' says Dr. Hogan, ''it's hard to know when they've crossed that line. That's why you need to contact a doctor immediately.''

Most children need some parental comfort, since vomiting can be pretty scary. And while you're nursing your child back to a state of settled stomach, try these tactics.

Give that tummy a rest. ''The first thing to do is to stop putting things in the child's stomach. Give it a rest,'' says Loraine Stern, M.D., associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of When Do I Call the Doctor? That also goes for babies who are still breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, says Dr. Stern. ''Just skip a regular feeding until the stomach seems to settle.'' Offer oral rehydration fluids such as Pedialyte, instead, in small, frequent sips. You can ask your pharmacist for these drinks, which basically contain sugar, salt and a few other nutrients and are available at most drugstores.

Offer reassurance. '' Vomiting can be very scary to a child,'' says Dr. Hogan. ''Assure her that she's going to be all right.'' A young child may want you to hold her and stay with her for a while. For older children, it's comforting to be tucked into bed until they feel better.

Start foods slowly. Wait for your child to express an interest in eating, then start with clear liquids, says Dr. Stern. Your main objective is to avoid dehydration. Many children can't tolerate water after vomiting but will suck on ice chips or even a cold, wet washcloth. Offer juices (unless there's also diarrhea), ice pops, oral rehydration liquids and gelatin, suggests Dr. Hogan.

If the clear liquids stay down, you can offer dry toast or crackers. ''Avoid milk and milk products, though, which aren't well-tolerated.''

Pour a cola. Things do go better with Coke. This is an old home remedy that has stood the test of time. ''There's something about lukewarm Coca-Cola Classic that makes it stay down better than most things,'' says Dr. Stern. ''Serve it lukewarm and a little bit flat. Stir it a little to make the bubbles disappear.''

Ask about this OTC remedy. ''If, after waiting a few hours, you've given the child sips of liquids and those don't stay down, an over-the-counter antinausea medicine called Emetrol may help,'' says Dr. Stern. However, consult your doctor first--and ask for the proper dose for your child's weight and age.

Trust your child. Whether she says she wants tea and toast or a pepperoni pizza, serve it up. When children are ready to eat again, it's best to go with what they feel they can eat, says Dr. Hogan.

With younger, less verbal children, says Dr. Hogan, stick to bland foods such as toast, crackers, rice or potatoes at first. If the child's stomach tolerates those foods, you can gradually introduce others.