How to manage vomiting in an 8-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son ate some junk food yesterday and has been vomiting since this morning. He is unable to retain even water. He is eight years old.

Kindly suggest appropriate medication.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern.

An eight-year-old boy with persistent vomiting, especially if he can’t keep water down, can quickly become dehydrated and weak. So, in the setting of persistent or worsening vomiting over time, rather than initiating medication right away, he should be evaluated in person.

In the meantime, the important thing is to stay hydrated slowly and steadily. Give small sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) often rather than a large amount at once, as large amounts may cause more vomiting. Offer simple, easy-to-digest foods instead of oily or junk foods. Also, watch for signs like peeing less, a dry mouth, bad tummy pain, fever, being very sleepy, blood or green vomit, or loose stools. If you see any of these, call your doctor.

He may need a medicine like Ondansetron to help stop vomiting. If he cannot keep drinks down, the medicine may not stay in his stomach. If this continues for a few hours, he may need fluids through a vein and urgent medical care.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.