Patient's question:
My child is 3 years old. Since the night before last, they have been vomiting and having diarrhea. Whatever they eat comes back up shortly after. The diarrhea only lasted twice before stopping, but the vomiting has not stopped. They only vomit when they don't eat, but as soon as they eat something, they vomit again. I can't think of anything they might have eaten that wasn't clean. I don't know what could be the cause?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Vomiting is a common symptom in children's lives. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders. There are many causes of vomiting. For example:1. Improper feeding, excessive feeding or rapid swallowing causing air to be inhaled;
2. Childhood intestinal causing intestinal dysfunction and leading to vomiting;
3. Relaxation of the upper part of the stomach (called the cardia) can cause spitting up;
4. Infections such as encephalitis and pneumonia;
5. Neurological diseases such as hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, and intracranial hemorrhage;
6. Esophageal atresia;
7. Hypertrophy of the lower part of the stomach (called the pylorus) causing the stomach contents to flow downward poorly, leading to vomiting, usually occurring 2-3 weeks after birth, appearing as projectile vomiting;
8. Intestinal obstruction, such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception, small intestinal stenosis or atresia, intestinal volvulus, etc.;
9. Megacolon, anorectal atresia, or anal stenosis, with constipation and abdominal distension first, vomiting appearing later;
10. Other causes such as acute poisoning, medication, pyloric spasm, motion sickness, seasickness, etc., can all cause vomiting.
When vomiting is a normal physiological phenomenon, it may gradually stop with a bit of attention. However, some vomiting is caused by serious diseases and requires timely treatment. Therefore, if a child vomits, it should not be taken lightly. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to get a clear diagnosis and receive timely and appropriate treatment.