It’s never easy seeing your child feeling sick, especially when they’re dealing with nausea or vomiting. This is one of our most common reasons why kids visit our clinics, and while most cases are mild, some symptoms can be signs of something more serious.
Let’s break down what parents should know when their child feels sick to their stomach.
When to Be More Concerned
- Vomiting that lasts more than two days in kids over age 2
- Extreme tiredness or confusion
- Vomit that looks green, bright yellow, or has blood in it
- Blood in their stool (poop)
- A swollen belly
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Seizures or unusual behavior
- Recent injury, especially to the head or stomach
What Else Is Happening?
- Vomiting + diarrhea + fever: This combo usually means a stomach virus (also called viral gastroenteritis).
- Vomiting with a sore throat or ear pain: Could be an infection like strep or an ear infection.
- Vomiting with a headache: Sometimes migraines or pressure inside the head can cause this.
- Vomiting after coughing fits: This might be from a strong cough, like with asthma.
Most Common Causes
- Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis): This is by far the most common cause—often a virus that spreads at home or school. It usually comes on suddenly and goes away in a few days.
- Other Infections: Sore throats, ear infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can all cause vomiting, especially in younger kids.
Less Common Causes
- Cough-Related Vomiting: A strong cough can sometimes trigger vomiting, especially if your child has asthma.
- Teen Pregnancy: For teen girls, vomiting with missed periods or lower belly pain could be a sign of pregnancy.
- Eating Disorders: In older kids and teens, vomiting could also be tied to an eating disorder like bulimia, especially if they’re worried about their body image.
If your child is vomiting and you're not sure what’s causing it, or if you're seeing any of the concerning signs above, it’s best to have a healthcare provider check them out.
At Urgent Care for Kids, our compassionate team is here to help figure out what’s going on. Whether it’s a common virus or something that needs more attention, we’re just a visit away.
Our clinics are open late nights, weekends, and holidays for your convenience. Click here to find a location near you and book your visit today.
Resources:
- “Approach to the infant or child with nausea and vomiting.” UpToDate, 11 Dec. 2024.
