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Nausea and Vomiting

Diseases
16 February 2026

Nausea and vomiting are common conditions in children.

  • Main causes: Viral infections, bacterial infections, and motion sickness.
  • Main concern: The main concern in vomiting is dehydration, especially in infants. Symptoms of dehydration include reduced urinary output, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, unresponsiveness, and a sunken fontanelle.
  • Home treatment: In mild cases vomiting can be treated at home. For breastfed infants, continue nursing; for formula-fed infants, provide small quantities at frequent intervals. Offer water or electrolyte solutions to toddlers and children and avoid solids until vomiting has subsided for several hours. Ensure the child rests.
  • When to seek medical help: If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours; if symptoms of dehydration appear; in case of severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea, or the skin and the conjunctivae appear yellowish). In severe cases, medical treatment may be required, including intravenous (IV) fluids or antibiotics (for bacterial infection).
  • When to go to the emergency room: If bloody or green vomit appears, go to the ER immediately.

For us, as parents, it is not easy to see our children suffer from nausea or vomiting. However, nausea and vomiting are common conditions in childhood, and it is likely that we encounter them at some point. Vomiting can be caused from various factors–ranging from common childhood illnesses to new conditions that may require medical intervention. Usually, it is a temporary reaction that passes relatively quickly, without the need for specific medical treatment. So, how can we help our children when it happens, and when should we seek medical advice?

What is vomiting?

Vomiting is an involuntary expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, and often through the nose, and the muscles of the abdomen and the diaphragm strongly contract.

Some conditions resemble vomiting but are different:

  • Spitting up: Unlike vomiting, spitting up is the mild bringing up of stomach contents through the mouth, occasionally with a hiccup. It is common in infants up to one year old and does not indicate inflammation or illness.
  • Reflux: In reflux, the contents of the stomach are forced back through the esophagus, appearing as a vomit or spit-up. Reflux is common during early infant development and typically resolves by the age of one to one and half years; it does not indicate inflammation or illness.

Potential causes of nausea and vomiting

  • Viral infections: Various viruses (commonly referred to as "stomach viruses"), such as Rotavirus, Norovirus, Enterovirus, and Adenovirus, are the most common causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. They may cause severe vomiting, especially in infants. These viruses are highly contagious, and are common in kindergartens, daycare centers, and the community at large. Such an infection is typically resolved within two to five days, and no specific medication is required.
  • Bacterial infections: These are less common than viral infections but still relatively frequent, especially after consuming contaminated food with bacteria (particularly poultry and eggs, but also meat, fruits, and vegetables). Bacteria such as Salmonella and Shigella multiply in the intestines, causing an illness characterized by diarrhea and vomiting, and occasionally fever and general weakness.
  • Motion sickness: Nausea and vomiting during travel are a common issue, particularly at an early age. Some medications can alleviate this condition, and you can contact your doctor to get an appropriate prescription.
  • Dehydration: This happens due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive sweating, particularly in extreme conditions such as an extremely hot summer day or a strenuous hike. In this case, it is important to sit in the shade and hydrate. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention for further treatment.

  • Poisoning: Occurs when ingesting something not intended for consumption, such as soap, pesticides, or even an overdose of medications. Note: hazardous substances must be kept out of reach of children.
    More information on poisoning prevention
  • Bowel obstruction: Obstruction and distension of the bowels can occur for various reasons, such as when a portion of the intestine becomes trapped in a hernia, or when the intestine twists around itself. In addition to vomiting, obstruction may cause severe pain. If there is any concern, it is important to seek medical attention.
  • Food intolerance: This can occur after the child consumes a food component to which they are allergic. If the condition persists, seek medical attention.

It is worth noting that beyond physical causes, there are also emotional factors that can lead to nausea and occasionally vomiting, for instance, feelings of anxiety, emotional stress, or exposure to overwhelming sight or smells. If the condition persists, it is advisable to explore the emotional reasons and address the emotional aspect of the issue.

Further information on stress and anxiety in children and treatment options

The primary danger – dehydration

The main complication of vomiting, especially in infants, is dehydration–a condition in which the body loses too many fluids. The risk is even greater if vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea. In severe cases, dehydration can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Dehydration symptoms

  • Decreased urine output (or lack of urine for more than eight hours)
  • Dark urine
  • Dryness in the mouth and tongue
  • Decreased tearing or absence of tears
  • Extreme fatigue, sleepiness, unresponsiveness
  • A sunken fontanelle (the soft spot in the infant's head)

Home treatment for vomiting

In mild cases, vomiting can be treated at home. It is particularly important to watch for signs of dehydration:

  • For breastfed infants: Continue breastfeeding. This is the most important source of nutrition and fluids.
  • For exclusively formula-fed infants: Provide small quantities (by the spoonful) every 2-to-5-minute. If vomiting persists despite this, provide water or an electrolyte solution until vomiting subsides (these solutions contain salts and sugar to prevent dehydration and are available over the counter at any pharmacy). Then, try to resume formula feeding.
  • For infants and toddlers: Offer water or electrolyte solution. Fluid intake is particularly important in episodes of vomiting or frequent bowel movements. For nausea alone, ginger tea or dry toast can be offered.
  • Solid food: It is advisable to avoid solid food until vomiting has subsided for several hours. Afterward, you may gradually resume digestible foods, such as toast, rice, potatoes, or clear soup.
  • Rest: It is important to allow the body sufficient rest to aid recovery.

When to seek medical attention

In most cases of nausea and vomiting there is no need to seek medical attention. However, it is essential to contact a clinic or a medical call center in the following cases:

  • Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.
  • Symptoms of dehydration appear.
  • Inability to drink or an inability to keep any fluids down, even if provided in small quantities and at short intervals.
  • Vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea.
  • The skin and the sclera (the white part of the eye) take on a yellowish tint.
  • Nausea persists for several days.

In severe cases, medical treatment may be required, including intravenous (IV) fluids or antibiotics (for bacterial infection).

Note: If bloody or green vomit appears, go to the ER immediately.

When to send your child back to school or daycare

You may send your child  back to daycare or school after 24 hours have passed without vomiting, diarrhea, or fever – unless the doctor has instructed otherwise.

How to avoid the causes of vomiting

Personal hygiene

Maintain personal hygiene and wash hands with water and soap before meals and after using the toilet. It is important to explain to the children how and when they should wash hands.

Cook food thoroughly

especially meat and eggs.

Avoid drinking unregulated water

such as water from streams or other non-tap sources.