Introduction
Most
vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, a viral infection of
the gastrointestinal tract. These infections are usually short-lived
and are more disruptive than damaging.
Symptoms That Needs Medical Attention
The
following symptoms may indicate a condition more serious than
astroenteritis and require immediate medical attention:
-
projectile vomiting in an infant
-
vomiting accompanied by fever
-
repeated vomiting of green or yellow bile
-
stomach feels hard and bloated in between vomiting episodes
-
vomit resembles coffee grounds
-
vomiting blood
-
vomiting follows head injury
-
vomiting during recovery from a viral infection
Treatment
Rest
the stomach. An affected person should try to wait a few hours,
and then offer small sips of water, ice chips, soda, or a cold,
wet washcloth to suck.
If
sips of water are not tolerated, you may wish to consult your
doctor about an over-the-counter nausea medication.
If
sips of water are tolerated, slowly increase the amount of liquids
you give to the person. Then you can try other clear liquids.
Please note that milk and dairy products should be avoided.
It
is essential to replace the electrolytes and fluid the affected
person has lost. Also, Introduce foods gradually.
The
greatest risk of vomiting due to gastroenteritis is dehydration.
Call your doctor if a person has diarrhea, refuses fluids, is
not urinating, has a dry mouth, or seems confused. You should
also call if vomiting persists more than two days, which increases
the risk of dehydration.
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