What Could Be The Cause Of Frequent Vomiting In A Child?

Posted on Fri, 9 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 Answered on

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My two year old started vomiting this afternoon. The second time was about 30 minutes later, then every 3 - 10 minutes afterwards. It's been about 2 hours. He has no diarrhea and no fever. He seems lethargic.

Answered by Dr. Uma Rajah Ananth (1 hour later)

Hi.
welcome to health care magic.
I will ask you a few questions in the beginning.
Does he have abdominal pain?
Does he have constipation?

Repeated vomiting without fever and diarrhea is suggestive of 3 conditions
1--first manifestation of viral infection and throat infection
2--food intolerance or allergy to whatever he took in the past 1-2 days
3-- acute abdominal conditions like appendicitis.

you have to take him to ER and get him examined.
Till you reach there you should try to him slightly chilled water or oral electrolytes solutions if available

Dehydration is the main concern and also electrolyte losses from the body.
Lethargy is also of concern and can be from electrolyte losses.

All the best
God bless
Dr Uma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Uma Rajah Ananth (36 minutes later)

He ended up having diarrhea about an hour ago. It was bad, really really bad. It smelled very bad and it was very watery. Somebody mentioned Rotavirus to me and I am wondering if maybe it is that. I just went to the store and got some electrolytes for him. He is vomiting every 30-40 minutes now.

Answered by Dr. Uma Rajah Ananth (43 minutes later)

Hi,
Yes, it can be rota virus or any other virus.
But the treatment for all viruses is same - fluid replacement.
Electrolytes solution should be given frequently.
2-3 ozs after every stool or vomiting.
If he can not retain that, please go to ER in the nearby hospital.
He may need intra venous fluids.
Also chech whether he is passing urine.
All the best
Dr Uma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar