Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Infant Vomiting

I called in sick yesterday to nurse mi bebe. We came home the other day and found that she has been throwing-up for unknown reason since late that afternoon. My mama run downed everything she had eaten and her activities that day and assured me she did not hit her head or anything. We’re worried of course, but that is not a reason to panic (even if she cried and screamed out of her frustration). I stay calmed and assured her that everything is going to be okay. It is always best for mothers to stay calm and assertive because babies will acquire the energy they display. I immediately ask mi esposo to search the net for possible reason of her vomiting and its cure. Thank goodness to these helpful sites, it relived our anxiety. But of course, I verified everything with her Pedia and still followed her doctor’s advice in the end. I'm so relived she's okay now.

Here are top causes of vomiting:

  1. Stomach flu – especially if your baby is also in fever and is having diarrhea.
  2. Food poisoning – this doesn't really mean "poison", it simply means there were some bad bacteria in the food your child ate.
  3. Other intestinal illnesses – there are a variety of other viral and bacterial intestinal illnesses besides the flu that can cause vomiting. Most are not serious.
  4. Severe cough and cold – children can often vomit after a big coughing fit. This isn't really considered a vomiting problem but rather a coughing problem. 
  5. Bladder infection – if your child has had a high fever for several days with occasional vomiting, and the urine burns or smells foul, consider this cause.
  6. Intestinal obstruction – this is by far the least common cause, but it is also the most serious and is considered a surgical emergency.
Here’s what to do during child's vomiting:

  • Give your baby nothing to eat or drink for one hour following an episode of vomiting in order to rest the stomach and prevent further irritation.
  • You may give 2 oz of Pedialyte or Hydrite to avoid dehydration.
  • Monitor your baby for signs of dehydration, such as less frequent urination, a strong odor or darker color to your baby's urine, increased fussiness, lethargy, sunken fontanels, reduced tears when crying and a dry or sticky mouth.
  • When six hours have passed without vomiting, formula feeding may be resumed.
  • For older babies who are accustomed to solid foods, introduce clear liquids once your child is feeling better and has not vomited in at least eight hours.
  • Resume a normal diet when 12 hours have passed since the last vomiting episode. Begin with foods such as bread, cereal, pasta, bananas and applesauce.
  • Contact your baby's pediatrician as soon as possible.

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