Patient's question:
My child has been spitting up frequently these days. Sometimes, milk comes out from both the nose and the mouth. Additionally, they often shake their face red. How can I solve this problem with my child?Doctor's answer:
Hello;Nausea is the most common symptom of the digestive system. Nausea includes vomiting and spitting up. If a small amount of milk flows back into the mouth, it is considered spitting up, not vomiting, and does not affect development. It usually disappears around 6 months of age as the child grows older.
Newborns have small stomachs that are horizontal, and their esophagus is relatively relaxed. The cardiac sphincter, which connects to the esophagus, is underdeveloped, while the nervous regulation function of intestinal motility, the secretion of gastric acid and proteases, is also poor. This makes newborns, especially premature infants, prone to vomiting.
The most common cause of vomiting is improper feeding, accounting for about 1/4 of all newborn vomiting cases. This is mainly due to overfeeding, incorrect concentration, unsuitable milk temperature, small nipple holes, lying flat immediately after feeding, excessive or early movement of the child, and severe crying, among other factors.
Mild vomiting and spitting up have little impact on the body. However, repeated vomiting can lead to disturbances in fluid and electrolyte and acid-base balance, manifesting as dehydration, seizures, and coma. Severe vomiting can cause vomit to be inhaled into the trachea, leading to aspiration pneumonia, blocking the airways of weak or premature infants, and causing suffocation and death.
If a child vomits, parents should first check the feeding method and correct any improper practices promptly. When feeding or giving water, the child should be held upright, allowing them to lie on the parent's shoulder while gently patting their back to burp and expel air from the stomach before putting them down. For at least half an hour after feeding, avoid excessive movement of the newborn. Operations such as changing diapers should be performed gently. Lying on the right side or elevating the head of the bed can help food move from the stomach into the intestines and reduce the risk of vomit being inhaled into the trachea. While adjusting the feeding method, it is also important to observe the child closely.