Vomiting in Kids: Causes, Home Remedies & Treatment Options

Introduction

Vomiting, in medical terms, is the forceful throwing out of harmful and irritating components from the gut. This happens by the contraction of the walls of stomach, leading to the back flow of contents of the stomach to the food pipe, finally coming out through the mouth. It is a very common issue, especially when it comes to children¹.

In children, the causes of vomiting are many. These include gastroenteritis (stomach flu), urinary tract infections, food allergies, and feeding issues amongst others^2,3. These causes may lead to vomiting often combined with other symptoms such as nausea, fever, headache, and abdominal pain¹.

To help stop vomiting and ease your child’s discomfort, there are some home remedies that can be tried. However, home relief measures alone may not be able to tackle you child’s condition, and medical attention may be necessary in some situations. According to the severity of vomiting, the doctor may suggest certain lab tests to diagnose the underlying cause, assess signs of dehydratio,n and prescribe suitable medications¹.

So here, we will discuss the causes, associated symptoms, diagnosis and management of vomiting in kids. We will share some home remedies that may help relieve their discomfort and suggest when you must seek medical attention.  

Common Causes of Vomiting in Kids

Vomiting in kids might be due to many reasons. Depending upon the underlying cause, the associated symptoms may also vary. Here are few causes of vomiting in kids and some common symptoms associated with it: 

• Digestive Tract Infections: Gut infection or digestive tract infection, also called as gastroenteritis, is among the most common causes of vomiting in children. It may be a parasitic, viral or bacterial infection that usually disappears within a week. Loss of appetite, headache, sudden watery motions, fever, and arms and legs pain are the major symptoms of this infection¹.
• Food Poisoning: When the food is poorly prepared or stored, it becomes the ground for germs to grow. Children eating such contaminated foods develop food poisoning. Its symptoms are like that of gastroenteritis. But it may cause severe dehydration. Staying hydrated here is very important¹.
• Motion Sickness: Compared to elder children, motion sickness is more common in babies. It normally occurs when they travel by car, train, or airplane¹. Rides in amusement parks, and video games can also stimulate motion sickness. Irritation, headache, and light-headedness are few symptoms that often occur along with vomiting in motion sickness. 
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTI can also cause vomiting, and it is quiet common in kids. Other symptoms of UTI include fatigue, fever, pain, and irritation while passing urine, and smelly urine¹.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux: GERD, that is the back flow of stomach acid into oesophagus, is very common in paediatric age group and can cause vomiting². In infants, a common symptom is spitting small amounts after feeding. Other symptoms in smaller children include regurgitation, irritability, and refusal to feed while older children can complain of heartburn. 
• Feeding and Coughing: Issues like overeating/overfeeding or eating too quickly can cause vomiting³. Excessive coughing or trying to expectorate hard cough can also lead to vomiting. However, vomiting due to these is usually temporary and may not show other associated symptoms. 
• Appendicitis:The appendix is a small organ found near the large intestine. Appendicitis is a condition of inflammation of the appendix. Along with vomiting, it usually causes severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, a rise in body temperature, and difficulty in passing stool or diarrhoea¹.
• Poisoning or Overdose: Babies often put whatever they get into their mouth. Substances found in our homes when swallowed by children might turn poisonous. Similarly taking overdoses of medicines are also dangerous. Apart from vomiting, difficulty in breathing, tiredness, and seizures are the other symptoms of poisoning¹.
• Brain-related: Conditions like meningitis, head injury, increased intracranial pressure, migraine and rarely even a brain tumour may lead to vomiting^1,3. These may present with symptoms such as headache, avoidance of bright lights or neck stiffness, and require further investigations to diagnose the condition. 
• Other Causes: Conditions causing bowel obstruction like intussusception or pyloric stenosis and some infections like dengue or typhoid can also cause vomiting in children^1,3.

Possible Complications of Vomiting in Children

Following are some of the major complications that may be associated with persistent or recurrent vomiting in kids. 

1. Dehydration 

Dehydration occurs when enough quantity of liquid is not present in your child’s body. It leads to life-threatening conditions.  Kidneys do not produce urine when there is poor blood supply caused by dehydration. This results in accumulation of wastes in the body. Severe dehydration results in hypovolemic shock, a condition in which body does not have enough fluid and blood. This lowers the blood pressure, and poor delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Dehydration when left untreated for a long-time may result acid to build in the body, irregular heartbeat, and even death⁴.

2. Electrolyte Imbalance 

Electrolyte imbalance is the variation in the levels of important salts or minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium etc in the blood. When the level of sodium becomes less (hyponatremia) or high (hypernatremia) in your child’s blood, it can cause long-term neurological issues such as confusion, seizures, and even coma. Also, be careful while doing treatment for dehydration since it paves the way for electrolyte imbalance if not done properly. ORS solutions which are improperly prepared causes hypernatremia. In rare cases, consuming incorrectly prepared ORS solutions might cause gastric issues such as stomach bleeding and duodenal ulcers⁴.

3. Malnutrition 

There are various aspects of malnutrition. This is the condition occurring because of lack of nutrients in the body, resulting from poor diet or a nutrient absorption problem. Vomiting in kids lessens their hunger, which in turn makes children eat less. This when occurs repeatedly, may contribute to acute malnutrition and a range of health conditions. Stunting (height deficiency) is an indicator of long-term malnutrition, which causes developmental problems⁵.

4. Oesophageal Injury 

Repeated regurgitation of gastric contents in the oesophagus can lead to tearing and injury. Forceful vomiting can lead to a condition called Boerhaave Syndrome where the oesophageal wall ruptures. This can occur due to an increase in intraoesophageal pressure due to vomiting, along with the chest pressure. This causes tearing on the back side of the oesophagus near the diaphragm. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention⁶.

What to Do When Your Child Is Vomiting?

Certain home care tips might help reduce the severity of vomiting in your child.  

• Keeping hydrated throughout is particularly important to prevent dehydration may your child be of any age.  
• If your child is feeling extremely sick let them take just small sips of water. 
• If you are breast feeding mom, give your baby breast milk exclusively.  
• If the babies are fed with formula or solid foods, do not forget to give small sips of water in between ⁷.
• Avoid giving fruit juices or fizzy drinks. 
• You can give them ORS (oral rehydration solution) which may help replace the salts and minerals they lost by vomiting¹. Use ORS solution recommended by WHO⁸.
• Do not force them to take liquids or food for at least an hour. Once you think their vomiting is subsiding start giving them water or breast milk in small amount⁸.
• After completing 6 to 8 hours without vomiting, you may start giving them easily digestible solids like crackers, soup, mashed potatoes, or rice⁸.
• When you give them cooked food, make sure you give it when the food gets cool, to prevent the intense smell that might provoke the vomiting⁹.
• If your child has severe vomiting, let them take rest and avoid physical activity⁹. 
• Make your child feel relaxed. Changing their mind by making them imagine something different like what they hear, see, taste might help divert their thought and block the tendency of vomiting⁹.

Safe and Effective Home Remedies for Vomiting

Along with solutions like oral rehydration, there are certain other home remedies that you may try out to deal with vomiting and ease discomfort in kids.  

• Taking a few sips of ginger juice or ale may help soothe the stomach⁹. 
• Using some lemon or mint drops might help in preventing bad taste due to vomiting⁹. 
• Sucking popsicles or ice chips made from ORS can help keep hydrated⁹.
• Trying pepper mint oil aromatherapy to manage nausea and vomiting symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties^9,10.
• Giving acupressure on certain parts of your child’s body may also help to control vomiting⁹.

Though these methods may help reduce vomiting and ease discomfort associated with it, these must be used age-appropriately, for instance, some of them may not be suitable for use in very small children. Moreover, remember that these are only adjunctive measures, and if your child’s condition does not improve, proper medical attention is necessary.  

When to See the Doctor?

Vomiting is a symptom of many diseases. If you think your child’s condition is getting worse beyond 24 hours, even after giving home remedies, it is crucial to consult a physician. Here are the signs that you should take into consideration: 

• If you notice dry lips and mouth, less urination, no tears while crying, poor activity or excessive crying, these are the signs of severe dehydration².
• If you see them disturbed, irritated or angry².
• If their vomit appears in unusual colours like green or coffee brown or you see blood in the vomit^2,7.
• If the vomiting persists for more than 2 days^2,7.
• If you see they are very disturbed, and tired, find uncommon rashes, and severe abdominal pain or distention².
• If their temperature is beyond 38.5°C⁷.
• If their neck becomes stiff and painful, with head pain². 
• If you think they have breathing issues⁸.

These indicate the need for medical attention. 

Diagnosis of Vomiting in Children

Doctors prescribe diagnostic tests for kids based on their symptoms and how long they are suffering from vomiting. They also examine the severity of dehydration in kids suffering from vomiting¹. The common tests employed to find the causes of vomiting in kids are: 

• Blood Tests: These are the kind of tests performed to check the general health. A wide range of blood tests help to figure out whether vomiting is due to viral or bacterial infection. This helps in making further diagnosis and treatment decisions¹¹.
• Urine Analysis: This is also a basic test done to figure out the general health conditions of individuals including children. Increased urine output in children with vomiting indicates dehydration¹². Urine tests can help detect the cause of vomiting when it is due to urinary tract infections or kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis)¹³.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is safe, accurate and useful to help distinguish conditions like  pyloric stenosis ( tube connecting stomach to intestine is narrow, hence food cannot pass to intestine) from other causes of severe vomiting in kids¹⁴. It can also help identify causes of bilious vomiting (vomiting bile) in kids, such as intestinal atresia (a part of the intestine is blocked or missing) , malrotation (improper intestinal position), or obstruction¹⁵.
• Serum Electrolytes: Acute vomiting and diarrhoea in children due to gastroenteritis can cause changes in serum electrolytes. Therefore, serum tests are useful to check electrolyte balance, especially in cases of severe dehydration¹⁶.
• Stool Routine, Microscopy and Culture: Using these tests, pathogen that cause gastroenteritis can be detected. Stool microbiological investigation is particularly recommended in children with vomiting accompanied by blood and/or mucus in stool, vomiting with diarrhoea lasting for more than 7 days, severe dehydration, or prolonged illness¹¹.
• Lumbar Puncture: This is a procedure where fluid is collected from around the spinal cord This is mainly used to detect any causes of vomiting related to the brain, such as meningitis.  

The above-mentioned tests should be done only after the prescription of a certified medical practitioner. 

Medical Treatment Options for Vomiting

1. Antiemetics

Antiemetics are the medicines that treat nausea and vomiting, administered orally or intravenously. Ondansetron is an antiemetic drug that may help lower vomiting and dehydration in kids. Domperidone and Promethazine are among the most used antiemetic medicines in children. Drugs like metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are less often used, as they may cause side effects like sleepiness and body pain¹².

These drugs are easily available in the market without prescription of a doctor. But always consult a physician before using these drugs, especially for the safety of your child. 

2. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) 

ORT simply means giving oral rehydration solutions to kids who have vomiting, diarrhoea, ands tiredness. You can give your kids ORS solutions in small quantities at different intervals. This may help kids to regain fluids lost through vomiting⁴. 

• For kids who refuse fluids and cannot drink by themselves, experts might introduce a nasogastric tube (feeding tube), which helps in keeping their body hydrated⁴.
• WHO suggests an ORT solution with less than 20 g/L of glucose, 60 to 90 mEq/L of sodium, and 15 to 25 mEq/L of potassium⁴.
• An extra 50 to 100ml of solution may help in kids, following each stage of vomiting or diarrhoea. In older children, the quantity of extra fluids depends on their age, weight, and the amount of fluid they lost⁴.
• Avoid giving broths with excessive salts or sugary syrups to kids, instead choose pharmacy-based ORS solutions⁴.

3. Intravenous Fluids (IV Fluids) 

In kids with severe dehydration, fluids need to be administered through veins. There are diverse types of IV fluids.  

• Normal saline (0.9%): Normal saline may help in kids with severe dehydration with less blood volume. 70 to 100 mL/kg for 3 to 6 hours is the fluid volume recommended by WHO, although administration time depends on age and weight of the child and further repetition depends on the kid’s response. If the veins are unavailable, doctors give a rapid dose of saline directly into the bone marrow as an emergency step⁴.
• Intravenous sugar solution: Rapid drop in blood sugar in kids may be rectified by introducing 0.5 to 1 g/kg intravenous glucose. Giving 5–10 mL of 10% dextrose or 25% dextrose for each kilogram of the child’s weight is more practical. Giving 2 mL/kg of a 50% dextrose solution in adolescents with large IV tubes may help⁴.
• Ringer’s lactate solution: This solution is also known as Hartmann’s solution for injection. It has enough amount of sodium and sufficient lactate⁴. This might help in reducing acidity in blood caused by dehydration. Giving the solution for a definite period may improve severe dehydration in kids. 

How to Prevent Vomiting?

Certain preventive measures can help kids to avoid getting infections that cause vomiting.  

• Wash your kid’s hands with soap or hand wash as they return from the toilet, after changing their diaper, and before they start eating¹.
• Prepare food only after washing your hands properly, because a lack of hygiene can increase the risk of spreading infections¹.
• Maintain cleanliness in the toilet, your toddler’s room, and the surrounding to which they are often subjected¹⁸.
• Take care while you clean the vomit or diarrhoea of your child; wear gloves as this might help prevent further contamination¹.
• Wash clothes with kids vomit or stool separately using hot water. Avoid sharing your child’s clothes, towels, and vessels with others¹⁷.
• Avoid giving your kids spicy, oily foods or undercooked meals if you think they have some signs of vomiting⁹.
• Protect your child’s food, keep it in closed containers out of reach of insects or pets as they can contaminate the food¹⁸.

Conclusion

Vomiting in kids is common, and usually results from infections, digestive issues, malnutrition, or other medical conditions. Mild cases can be managed at home by hydration and rest, but consulting your doctor is very crucial if you find severe dehydration symptoms like dry mouth, sunken eyes, less and dark urine. Early recognition of symptoms helps prevent complications in your kids.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Vomiting in Children and Babies [Internet]. NHS inform. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/vomiting-in-children-and-babies/ 

3. Nausea and Vomiting in Infants and Children [Internet]. MSD Manuals Professional Version. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/nausea-and-vomiting-in-infants-and-children  

4. Daley SF, Avva U. Pediatric Dehydration [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436022/  

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6. Kassem MM, Wallen JM. Oesophageal Perforation, Rupture, And Tears [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532298/ 

7. Diarrhoea and Vomiting [Internet]. indirect. 2017 [cited 2025 Sep 29]. Available from: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting#toc-4 

8. HOME CARE GUIDE… Providing Care at Home [Internet]. [cited 2025 Sep 29]. Available from: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/content/dam/main/public-health/phpreparedness/pdf/HomePrepBooklet_CR1_3final.pdf 

9. American Cancer Society. Managing Nausea and Vomiting at Home [Internet]. www.cancer.org. 2024. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/nausea-and-vomiting/managing.html 

10. Yağmur Şancı, Yıldız S, Ayçiçek A, Naciye Möhür. Effect of peppermint-lemon aromatherapy on nausea-vomiting and quality of life in pediatric patients with leukemia: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 2023 Jul 1;72. Available from: https://www.ovid.com/journals/jpenu/abstract/10.1016/j.pedn.2023.07.001~effect-of-peppermint-lemon-aromatherapy-on-nausea-vomiting?redirectionsource=fulltextview 

11. Health (UK) NCC for W and C. Diagnosis [Internet]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. RCOG Press; 2009. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK63841/ 

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13. Barola S, Grossman OK, Abdelhalim A. Urinary tract infections in children [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599548/ 

14. Rollins MD, Shields MD, Quinn RJ, Wooldridge MA. Value of ultrasound in differentiating causes of persistent vomiting in infants. Gut. 1991 Jun 1;32(6):612–4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2060869/ 

15. Alehossein M, Abdi S, Pourgholami M, Naseri M, Salamati P. Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound in Determining the Cause of Bilious Vomiting in Neonates. Iranian Journal of Radiology. 2012 Oct 30;9(4):190–4. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3569550/ 

16. Kinasha AA, Pernica JM, Banda FM, Goldfarb DM, Welch HD, Steenhoff AP, et al. Electrolyte abnormalities and clinical outcomes in children aged one month to 13 years hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in two large referral hospitals in Botswana. PLOS Global Public Health [Internet]. 2025 May 8;5(5):e0004588–8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12061178/ 

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