Vomiting means that the contents of the stomach are emptied again by spitting out. Vomiting in the baby is mostly harmless and, in infants, is primarily used to protect the body from pathogens or other harmful substances in the digestive system. However, a physical illness of the digestive system or brain can also be possible causes. It is therefore very important to check the trigger and, if necessary, initiate treatment.
What are the characteristics of vomiting in babies?
If the baby picks up small bits of food after eating, it is not vomiting, but is only spoken of in larger quantities. The stomach is emptied by contractions of the diaphragm, stomach and abdominal wall. Repeated vomiting in the baby can become a problem for the entire body: the possible consequences are loss of water, salt and acid.
An undersupply of energy is also the result. These problems are particularly dangerous in infants. Typical signs of dehydration (dehydration) are white skin, dry mouth, deep breathing, and drowsiness.
causes
Vomiting in babies can have different causes. Mostly it is due to a simple upset stomach. Other triggers often include dirty milk bottles or other poor hygiene. This makes the baby nauseous and vomits. The exact cause is often difficult to determine. Therefore, if anything is unclear, a doctor should be called in to diagnose the cause and possibly initiate therapy.
In most cases, preparations such as electrolyte solutions are prescribed because they compensate for the loss of fluid. Suppositories alleviate the symptoms. The characteristics of the vomit can disclose the trigger. For example, if it is acidic, this indicates that it is coming from the stomach and that the cause may be found here. With a neutral smell, it suggests that it did not come into contact with stomach acid.
If it is green-brown, it could originate from the large intestine and there is a narrowing of the small intestine. If the vomit is slimy or even bloody, there may be inflammation of the stomach (gastritis) or bronchitis.
If it smells foul or if it contains feces, a possible cause is an intestinal obstruction. A foamy vomit could be a sign that the baby poisoned himself with detergent. In this case, prompt treatment is very important. Blood in the vomit suggests serious causes. In this case too, an investigation is essential.
Diseases with this symptom
- Gastric mucosal inflammation
- Otitis media
- bronchitis
- Appendicitis
- poisoning
- Stomach gate narrowing
Diagnosis & course of disease
If vomiting occurs repeatedly, a doctor should be consulted. Special suppositories are helpful and, in severe cases, an infusion in case of insatiable vomiting. In addition, various tests can be carried out to determine the cause.
The baby's belly is carefully palpated. An X-ray examination or a blood sample may also be carried out. A conversation (anamnesis) clarifies since when and in what intensity the complaints have appeared and whether there are any other abnormalities.
Complications
Persistent vomiting in the baby can lead to various complications such as desiccosis (dehydration), as a lack of fluids and minerals occurs relatively quickly. If the infant is then not given any fluids, there is a risk of dehydration and, in extreme cases, death of the baby. The lack of electrolytes and other chemical substances is less serious, although complications such as high blood pressure, kidney failure, oliguria, stroke and heart attack can also occur here.
Frequent vomiting also puts stress on the teeth and can lead to infectious diseases and other complications such as bloody sputum, diarrhea and inflammation in the stomach and intestines. The side effects depend on the cause of the vomiting and the duration of the symptoms. Going to the doctor is advisable if the baby vomits for several hours, as there may be an infectious disease.
The gastric mucosa is also often inflamed, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by inflammation of the urinary tract, appendix or middle ear. If vomiting occurs as a result of an inflammation of the airways, the symptoms are accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. As a result, the baby is usually weak and tired and suffers from circulatory problems and cold sweats. These complications are usually unproblematic and can be balanced out by giving tea and diluted milk formula.
When should you go to the doctor?
Vomiting in babies is not necessarily a cause for panic, but it should be taken seriously. Attentive parents will notice that vomiting is more often associated with a meal in their baby. The sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is even looser in babies than in older children or adults. It is easy for babies to have excess food going backwards again. In the case of the narrowing of the stomach door, which is not uncommon in babies, the transition between the stomach and intestines is narrowed, which leads to vomiting in the baby.
However, parents should be aware that sick children often suffer from digestion. Food that is still in the stomach is therefore often vomited. Such a situation is an occasion to visit the pediatrician immediately. In addition to vomiting as a symptom, the underlying disease needs to be diagnosed and treated. It can be life-threatening, especially for babies, if they lose a lot of fluid when they vomit and really dry out.
Vomiting in the baby can indicate other serious illnesses: appendicitis, otitis media, or inflammation of the airways and urinary tract. Parents should always keep an eye on their child. In this way, if your baby vomits, you will be able to better assess whether medical treatment is required. They can also give the pediatrician valuable tips for making a diagnosis.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Therapy & Treatment
Vomiting can usually be managed well with the preparations mentioned, so that the baby could be healthy again within a few days. In the case of a serious illness, such as an intestinal obstruction, it is essential that treatment be given as soon as possible to improve the baby's condition. It is very important to ensure adequate hydration at home.
Not eating for a while is not that dramatic. When drinking, however, it behaves differently. In infants who are breastfed or who are receiving breast milk substitutes, the milk can still be given through several small meals despite vomiting. During vomiting, the baby should be held upright as possible to prevent the vomit from flowing back. Stroking the back has a calming effect.
This could cause the child to find it difficult to breathe. Babies also feel the sour taste of the vomit and should be given some water or unsweetened tea to drink afterwards. This also counteracts fluid loss and should therefore be offered to the baby regularly. Certain types of teas soothe the stomach, such as chamomile, peppermint, and goose weed.
Special electrolyte solutions that are available in pharmacies compensate for mineral loss. A binding complement of foods includes apples, carrots and bananas. A lot of rest and care are also important in order to cure.
Outlook & forecast
Vomiting in babies must always be taken seriously, because the small body cannot cope with the loss of fluid that an adult can. Vomiting will be even more common in the first few years of life, so parents should know when to act. In most cases, even a small baby will recover quickly if it is a single vomiting.
It goes all the faster if the baby drinks enough after vomiting and soon starts eating normally again. However, if the baby refuses to eat after vomiting, this worsens the prognosis because it now primarily needs fluids. If she has not eaten anything in the whole day after the last vomiting, a visit to the doctor is overdue. In order for the baby to recover anyway, it may be given intravenous fluids in the hospital, depending on general health.
If the vomiting persists for several hours, it is all the more serious in the baby. The pediatrician will first give you a drug to stop vomiting, otherwise the fluid loss could become life-threatening.
The parents of a small baby can influence the prognosis of vomiting themselves by visiting the pediatrician one too often rather than too little.
prevention
Preventing vomiting in babies is not always possible. But at least the risk can be significantly reduced by consciously paying attention to which foods the baby can tolerate and which not. In addition, it is important to avoid diseases, as they can burden the organism. Furthermore, strict hygiene should be observed. This starts with clean bottles and ends with the fact that milk residues are always disposed of and not reheated.
This can cause germs to form, which the baby's stomach can respond to by vomiting. The bottles and other accessories should be boiled in the vaporiser. Alternatively, you can take a water bath. Sick people in the household pose a risk to the baby due to the risk of infection and should, if possible, not have any contact with the baby. It is advisable to wear a face mask and wash your hands thoroughly. This is very important so that the pathogens do not spread to the child.
You can do that yourself
Depending on the cause of the vomiting, a distinction must be made between which supportive measures are taken. If the child's body has only got rid of a foreign body, no further measures are necessary. However, if it is a gastrointestinal infection - usually with an accompanying fever - the baby can support it with a strong lemon balm tea, wormwood tea as well as fennel or peppermint tea. An infusion of blueberry leaves also works. In the case of severe infections, children often vomit the administered liquid. Here it helps to give the tea spoon by spoon.
Tea with ginger and / or honey is not recommended for babies: the effect of ginger tuber is too strong and children under one year of age should not consume honey, as there is an increased risk of allergies. In addition to the supply of fluids, calming the baby is very important. Many babies enjoy being carried in a sling or a baby carrier. Anti-vomiting drugs are not recommended. On the one hand, because vomiting is a protective function of the body and therefore makes sense, and on the other hand, because these drugs have a drowsy effect. Great caution is advised here with babies.
Many parents have had very good experiences with homeopathic remedies. These remedies have a calming effect on the body and soul without any side effects. Should the general condition of your baby continue to deteriorate, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
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