Why is my 5-year-old vomiting and unable to drink water?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My 5-year-old has been puking since last evening. It is midnight now, and he has been having problems consuming water. We have been giving him small sips. His puke is yellow-clear.
He was exposed to me when I had food poisoning about 24 hours earlier. He was fine before, and he was even playing in the pool. But a short car ride, which we thought was motion sickness, started it all.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I am sorry your little one is going through this tonight. Vomiting for several hours in a 5-year-old is most commonly caused by a stomach virus or food-related illness, especially with the recent exposure you mentioned.
Yellow-clear vomit is often just stomach fluid and bile once the stomach becomes empty, and repeated vomiting after even small amounts of water can happen because the stomach is very irritated.
The most important thing right now is preventing dehydration. Continue giving very small amounts of fluid, such as 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or an oral rehydration solution every 2 to 5 minutes rather than larger sips, because too much at once can trigger more vomiting.
If he keeps that down for 30 to 60 minutes, you can slowly increase the amount. Avoid juice, soda, greasy foods, and large meals tonight.
Watch closely for signs of dehydration, such as a very dry mouth, no tears when crying, urinating much less, unusual sleepiness, fast breathing, sunken eyes, or if he cannot keep even tiny sips down for several hours.
You should seek urgent medical care tonight if he has severe abdominal pain, trouble waking up, a stiff neck, blood or dark green vomit, breathing problems, or confusion or if he has not urinated in 8 to 10 hours.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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