Children during their growth stage may present one or several episodes of vomiting. Generally, they are caused by infections that forcefully cause the expulsion of the contents they have in the stomach. Being able to dehydrate them.
For this reason, home remedies have been used to alleviate the symptoms that cause vomiting such as nausea, bad taste and prevent children from becoming dehydrated, so that they can be treated without having to go to the doctor.
In this article, you will find information about the possible causes that cause vomiting in children, and what home remedies have a positive effect to improve their discomfort. As well as the necessary recommendations to prevent them.
Causes of vomiting in children
Vomiting in children is mainly due to viral infections that cause this symptom, and may be accompanied by others such as fever, diarrhea, sore throat, headache, and many more. That is why you should be attentive to its appearance.
Respiratory infections
The causes of respiratory infections in children are generally due to infections such as coughing and sneezing, although they can also be caused by hands contaminated with a virus, touching the nose or eyes.
A study carried out by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics , concluded that children under 3 weeks to over 4 years of age, having respiratory infections, present vomiting as symptoms.
ear infections
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses, which are generally caused by respiratory diseases, but can also be caused by inserting dirty fingers or objects into or around the ear.
The most common symptoms of these infections in children are headache, ear pain, vomiting, fever, and difficulty hearing.
Urinary infections
Urinary infections in children are caused by the entry of bacteria into the bladder, urethra or kidneys. Generally, it is due to grooming and cleaning habits in the private parts, abnormalities in the urinary tract, or not urinating frequently enough.
A study published in the Magazine of the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Paraguay , with the objective of determining the clinical characteristics of urinary tract infections in children, concluded that the most common symptoms were fever and vomiting.
Meningitis
Meningitis can be caused by other viral infections that have been in the body in areas such as the ear, throat, or nose. Although it can also be caused by fungi, parasites, tumors, drug allergies, or contagion through another child.
A study carried out on meningitis, with the objective of analyzing the clinical characteristics that it presents, showed that the most frequent clinical symptoms were high fever, impaired consciousness and vomiting.
intestinal infections
Intestinal infections caused in children are mainly caused by drinking contaminated water, or eating spoiled or undercooked food. Causing as symptoms diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
Remedies for vomiting in children
Home remedies to treat vomiting that children have due to different infections or situations that arise, work as a good alternative since they serve to hydrate and help them alleviate the symptoms caused.
1. Water
It is recommended that the child drink water some time after having vomited, since it is necessary to hydrate the body due to the amount of liquids that are lost, and it also helps to eliminate the bad taste of the vomit.
2. Salt water
Mixing salt water in a glass is a great help to recover sodium and potassium, avoiding nausea and the desire to vomit in children again. It also provides the fluids that were lost avoiding dehydration.
3. Water with baking soda
Bicarbonate water is very effective in combating heartburn, and also has an effect that neutralizes gastric secretions that favors digestion, and also serves to hydrate and recover lost fluids.
4. Ginger tea
Making an infusion of ginger for children after vomiting will help them hydrate and feel better, it also has antiemetic properties that serve to reduce strong movements of the gastrointestinal tract and gastric juices.
5. Chamomile tea
An infusion of chamomile is a good option for children after vomiting, because it has flavonoids that serve as an anti-inflammatory for swelling. It also has analgesic and digestive properties for stomach aches and heartburn.
6. Mint tea
Preparing an infusion of mint with a little sugar will go a long way to make children feel better after vomiting, since thanks to its digestive properties it will help to eliminate poor digestion and regulate stomach cramps .
This spice has a large amount of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C and E. It also has minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. Added to this, biotin and beta-carotene are added, which make it even more recommendable as a home remedy.
7. Coconut water
Giving children coconut water is a very good option as a remedy for vomiting, since it has a high content of potassium, magnesium, vitamins B9 and C. It also has digestive properties that relieve stomach pain.
8. Water with lemon
Lemon water is a great remedy against vomiting as it has antioxidant properties, stimulates good digestion and combats heartburn. It also provides minerals such as magnesium and potassium that help recover energy in the body.
9. Infusion of cloves
Preparing an infusion of cloves is recommended to treat vomiting. It has analgesic properties that serve to calm stomach pain and also has a component called eugenol that helps combat the symptoms of indigestion.
10. Infusion of mint
Making an infusion of mint can be a good remedy against vomiting for children, this spice has vitamins A and C.
It also contains minerals such as potassium and iron that help to recover energy in the body, and because it is liquid it maintains hydration.
On the other hand, the vitamins and minerals that peppermint has have digestive and antiemetic properties, which makes it ideal for fighting colic, relieving nausea, and vomiting in children.
11. Infusion of thyme
Thyme is a very useful herb as a remedy to treat vomiting, due to its essential oil and its main component called thymol, acting against digestive problems such as colic and stomach pain. It also stimulates the appetite.
A study published in a phytotherapy journal on the therapeutic uses of thyme mentions that it has both pharmacological and anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Which makes it more recommendable as a remedy.
12. Soda crackers
Soda crackers are a very effective remedy against vomiting for children. It helps them to eliminate nausea and discomfort that they still have, making them feel better quickly, since it increases their blood sugar level.
Recommendations to avoid vomiting in children
Preventing children from vomiting or getting sick is the best action parents can take to prevent them from becoming dehydrated. Therefore, it is good to take into account the following recommendations to avoid bad situations.
Avoid high-fat foods
Fatty foods are best avoided in children, because they put a lot of pressure on the digestive system, since they require more enzymes and gastric juices to digest them properly. Being able to cause inflammation or nausea.
Consume small amounts of clear liquids
It is good to give small amounts of clear liquids such as water, infusions or fruit juice. In order to keep children hydrated, calm nausea and keep them energized.
Eat vegetable soups and porridges in small amounts
The consumption of vegetable soups and porridges is an excellent recommendation, due to the high content of different vitamins and minerals that they provide for the body. It is also easy to digest which helps to avoid stomach problems.
Vegetable soups and porridges, being mainly made up of liquids, help to keep the body hydrated. Likewise, spices with medicinal properties can be added giving a better taste and a greater benefit for health.
Avoid liquids and foods with lactose, caffeine, and fizzy drinks
Liquids with lactose, caffeine, or carbonated drinks, as well as foods that contain them, are difficult to process as they are harder on the digestive system. These can cause heartburn, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Excessive consumption of these foods or drinks can develop an intolerance, causing immediate expulsion. Also when feeling a sensation of fullness due to these can cause digestive problems causing vomiting and nausea.
Avoid over-the-counter medications
Using over-the-counter medications can become a bigger problem than a solution, because they can present adverse rejections or cause poisoning. Side effects are also possible.
Go to the doctor if necessary
It is necessary to take the child to a doctor when they cannot tolerate any food or liquid, even if it is little, or with symptoms of nausea for more than 48 hours, also if the vomiting is constant (more than 3 times a day) and if they present weakness or fever.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.