What Are the Treatments for Vomiting in Children?

Vomiting in children can occur for many reasons. Flus, colds, viruses and environmental factors can cause vomiting that occurs once or lasts for days. Many treatments can help a child who has been throwing up regularly.

Push Fluids

• Get the child as well hydrated as possible. Vomiting is often accompanied by diarrhea, which can quickly cause dehydration. Water and juices are OK, but the best solution is a drink known as an oral rehydration solution (ORS). These can be bought in most stores without a prescription and are recommended by the World Health Organization. An ORS has the right amount of electrolytes and sugar to help rehydrate the child.

OTC Medications

• For an older child, you can use an over-the-counter liquid medicine or tablet to help settle her stomach. It may backfire if the child is having trouble keeping things down, so bear this in mind before trying this remedy.

  An antibiotic may be prescribed by a doctor if vomiting is caused by an infection.

Ginger

• Ginger ale is one of the oldest remedies for an upset stomach. Flat ginger ale is best, and if ginger ale is not available, a flat cola drink may also help. Raw grated ginger can be helpful for nausea and vomiting and can be given in small amounts to children. Ginger is available in most grocery stores.

What to Eat

• A diet known as the BRAT diet is recommended by many experts, such as familydoctor.org, for a child who is vomiting. BRAT is short for bananas or bland rice, applesauce and toast. The blander the diet, the better, as heavy, spicy or even sweet food may cause even more vomiting. Clear broth may be given to the child if he is hungry, diluted heavily with water. Saltine crackers may also settle the stomach.

Additional Information

• A child that has been vomiting should rest as much as possible, preferably until she hasn't thrown up for 24 hours. Parents should seek the advice of a doctor or emergency care if the child has not urinated for more than 8 hours or if the urine is slight and dark. Other reasons to seek the care of a doctor are blood in the vomit, severe head pain, excessive lethargy, high fever and blood in a bowel movement.