#asktheexpert My baby is vomiting after eating anything, even after giving zofer as suggested by doctor she is still vomiting

Question

Accepted Answer

Vomiting in a three-year-old can be caused by various factors, including infections, gastrointestinal issues, food intolerances, or even stress. Here are steps you can take to manage the situation and identify the cause:

### Immediate Care:

1. **Hydration**:
   - Ensure your child stays hydrated. Offer small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte), or clear fluids frequently.
   - Avoid giving large amounts of liquid at once, as it might induce more vomiting.

2. **Rest**:
   - Encourage your child to rest. Vomiting can be exhausting, and rest helps the body recover.

3. **Avoid Solid Foods Initially**:
   - Wait until the vomiting stops before reintroducing solid foods. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain rice, applesauce, bananas, and toast (BRAT diet).

4. **Monitor Symptoms**:
   - Keep an eye on the frequency and nature of the vomiting, as well as any accompanying symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or lethargy.

### Possible Causes:

1. **Viral or Bacterial Infections**:
   - Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a common cause of vomiting in children and is often accompanied by diarrhea and fever.
   - Other infections, such as respiratory infections, can also cause vomiting.

2. **Food Intolerances or Allergies**:
   - Although you mentioned she didn't eat anything outside, consider if she might have had a reaction to something in her regular diet.

3. **Motion Sickness**:
   - If she was recently in a car or on a ride, motion sickness could be a factor.

4. **Stress or Anxiety**:
   - Emotional distress can sometimes lead to vomiting in young children.

5. **Other Medical Conditions**:
   - Conditions like acid reflux, constipation, or even more serious issues like appendicitis can cause vomiting.

### When to Seek Medical Attention:

- **Persistent Vomiting**: If vomiting continues for more than 24 hours or is severe.
- **Signs of Dehydration**: Dry mouth, no tears when crying, reduced urine output, or lethargy.
- **Blood or Greenish Bile in Vomit**: This could indicate a more serious condition.
- **High Fever**: Especially if it's above 102°F (39°C).
- **Severe Abdominal Pain**: If your child is in significant pain.
- **Lethargy or Unresponsiveness**: If your child is unusually drowsy or unresponsive.

### Reintroduction of Food:

1. **Start Slowly**:
   - Begin with clear fluids like broth or diluted juice.
   - Gradually introduce bland foods such as plain rice, applesauce, bananas, and toast.

2. **Small, Frequent Meals**:
   - Offer small amounts of food frequently rather than large meals.

3. **Avoid Irritating Foods**:
   - Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods until your child is fully recovered.

### Consult Your Pediatrician:

If the vomiting persists or you are concerned about your child's health, contact your pediatrician. They can provide specific guidance and determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

Accepted Answer

Don't give your child any medication to stop the vomiting unless it's been prescribed by a doctor. Encourage your child to have a sleep. As long as you can rouse them and they don't sleep for more than a couple of hours, this can help the stomach to empty and can stop their need to vomit.