Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Vomiting (for Teenagers)
Description
Vomiting is the forceful emptying ("throwing up") of a large
portion of the stomach's contents through the mouth. Strong
stomach contractions against a closed stomach outlet result
in vomiting.
Cause
Most vomiting is caused by a viral infection of the lining
of the stomach or by eating something that disagrees with
your stomach. Often, a person whose vomiting is caused by a
virus also has diarrhea.
Expected Course
The vomiting usually stops in 6 to 24 hours. Changes in the
diet usually speed recovery.
Home Care for Vomiting
- Drink clear fluids in small amounts for 8 hours (do not
eat any solid food)
Drink only clear fluids (not milk) in small amounts
until 8 hours have passed without vomiting. Water or
ice chips seem to work best. Another option is half-
strength, lemon-lime soda or Popsicles. Stir the soda
until no fizz remains (the bubbles inflate the stomach
and increase the chances of continued vomiting).
Start with 1 tablespoon of the clear fluid every
5 minutes. After 4 hours without vomiting, double the
amount each hour. If you vomit using this treatment,
rest your stomach completely for 1 hour and then start
over. This one-swallow-at-a-time approach rarely fails.
- Eat bland foods after 8 hours without vomiting
After 8 hours without vomiting, you can gradually return
to a normal diet. Start with such foods as saltine
crackers, honey on white bread, bland soups like
"chicken with stars," rice, and mashed potatoes.
Usually you can be back on a normal diet within 24 hours
after recovery from vomiting.
- Medicines
Do not take any medicines by mouth for 8 hours. Oral
medicines can irritate the stomach and make vomiting
worse. Call your physician if you need to continue
taking a prescription medicine.
- Common mistakes in the treatment of vomiting
A common error is to drink a full glass of clear fluid
rather than gradually increasing the amount. This
almost always leads to continued vomiting.
There is no effective drug or suppository for vomiting.
Diet therapy is the answer. Vomiting alone rarely
causes dehydration unless you take drugs by mouth, milk,
or too much clear fluid.
Call Your Physician Immediately If:
- You have any signs of dehydration (such as no urine in
over 8 hours or a very dry mouth)
- You vomit up blood.
- You start feeling very sick.
Call Your Physician During Office Hours If:
- The vomiting continues for more than 48 hours.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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