All Conditions

Pediatric Vomiting and Nausea

In most cases, vomiting and nausea are caused by common conditions and children can recover with rest and hydration. But complex or rare gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can also lead to vomiting and nausea, and it can be important for your child to be evaluated by an expert. At Children's Health℠, our nationally recognized pediatric GI program includes top experts in all types of GI conditions. Our team works together to fully evaluate your child and provide a personalized treatment plan to help them feel better.

Overview

What is pediatric vomiting and nausea?

Vomiting occurs when food or liquid is "thrown up" out of the stomach. Nausea is an uneasy, sick-to-the-stomach feeling that may or may not lead to vomiting. Vomiting and nausea can occur in response to many conditions or causes. The most common cause is a viral infection, like the stomach flu.

Types

What are the different types of pediatric vomiting and nausea?

There are two main types of vomiting and nausea:

Acute vomiting and nausea:

This means there is a sudden onset of vomiting and nausea. The symptoms can be severe, but it isn’t long-lasting. The child can typically recover with rest and hydration at home. Acute vomiting and nausea can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, if the condition is caused by an infection, like the stomach flu.

Chronic vomiting and nausea:

This is when vomiting and nausea continue over time. Your child may have chronic vomiting if they vomit three or more times each week. This condition can be caused by reflux (GERD), allergies and other chronic conditions. In older children or adolescents, this can also be caused by eating disorders.

Causes

What causes pediatric vomiting and nausea?

There are many causes of nausea and vomiting in children and teens of any age.

Acute vomiting and nausea causes:

  • Viral or bacterial infections of any kind, including the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)

  • Intense coughing

  • Motion sickness from amusement park rides, boats, cars or planes

  • Overeating

  • Strong emotions like anger, fear or nervousness

  • Crying or sobbing

  • Teething

  • Putting hand in mouth and gagging

  • Dehydration

  • Appendicitis

  • Severe constipation

  • Intestinal obstruction

  • Concussion

Chronic vomiting and nausea causes:

Treatment

How is pediatric vomiting and nausea treated?

Treatment varies based on the condition causing the vomiting and nausea. Most children with acute vomiting and nausea can recover with rest and hydration at home. In some cases of acute vomiting, your pediatrician may recommend medications that can help stop the vomiting.

For children with chronic vomiting, our team fully evaluates their condition to determine the cause. Then we provide a personalized treatment plan to help them feel better. At Children’s Health, our pediatric gastroenterology department includes 20 programs with advanced specialties, more than any other department in North Texas. That means we have a wide range of top experts who specialize in all GI conditions, from common to the most complex.

Our specialists work together to evaluate your child from all angles and provide any treatment they need. Treatment could include medications, minimally invasive procedures and/or integrative therapies, like dietary changes and behavioral modifications.

Doctors and Providers

At Children’s Health, your child receives care from a team of experts who treat all types of GI conditions in children and adolescents, from the common to the most complex.

Frequently Asked Questions