Nausea Specialist

What is nausea?

Nausea is the unpleasant sensation you get in your stomach and throat before you vomit, although the feeling often occurs without resulting in vomiting.

Almost all children experience acute nausea and vomiting at some point, usually after exposure to a viral or bacterial infection. However, some children suffer from frequent or chronic nausea and vomiting that aren’t due to an acute illness.

These nausea and vomiting episodes are often severe and occur for no obvious reason. If your child is experiencing symptoms like these, they need to see a pediatric gastroenterologist at Kids and Tummies to discover the cause and find an effective treatment.

What causes nausea and vomiting in newborns and infants?

If your baby is vomiting forcefully, it may indicate a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract that could be serious. Infections can cause vomiting, too, and infants under three months old should see a doctor if their temperature rises to 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above.

A baby can’t tell you they feel nauseous, but they might seem unhappy or cry before vomiting. Spitting up (reflux) is different from vomiting, and babies often spit up after a feeding. If you’re not sure if your baby is spitting up or is actually vomiting, your pediatrician or gastroenterologist at Kids and Tummies can advise you.

What causes nausea and vomiting in older children?

Infectious gastroenteritis – typically due to a virus – is the most likely cause of nausea and vomiting in older children. Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin suddenly and last for 24-48 hours. Food poisoning is another possible cause, but is less common.

Diseases that cause nausea and vomiting in older children include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Intestinal blockage
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome
• Respiratory and urinary tract infections

In addition, nausea and vomiting in adolescents may be due to gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. In girls, pregnancy is also a possibility.

What should I do if my child is nauseated or vomiting?

Common causes of nausea and vomiting, such as gastroenteritis, don’t usually require medical attention, but if your child’s symptoms are severe or persistent, call Kids and Tummies for advice.

Symptoms that indicate there could be a more serious reason for your child’s nausea and vomiting include bile or blood in the vomit, severe abdominal pain, fever, and blood in the stools. It’s also essential to look for signs of dehydration, which may occur if your child refuses fluids or has trouble keeping liquids down when they’re sick.

The treatment your child requires for their nausea and vomiting depends on the cause, so getting a diagnosis is the first step.

For expert help with your child’s nausea and vomiting, call Kids and Tummies today or book an appointment online.