Possible Causes of Vomiting in Children

Vomiting is a common gastrointestinal symptom in children and can be categorized into two types: physiological and pathological. Physiological vomiting typically occurs in newborns who may regurgitate milk from the mouth within half an hour to one hour after feeding, often referred to as spitting up. In such cases, the baby's appetite, sleep, mental state, and weight gain remain normal. As the digestive system matures, this condition usually resolves on its own without requiring any specific treatment.

Pathological vomiting, on the other hand, involves the forceful expulsion of stomach or part of the small intestine contents through the mouth, often accompanied by nausea and intense abdominal muscle contractions. The causes of pathological vomiting are varied and may involve disorders of the digestive, central nervous, or urinary systems. Common digestive causes include gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, and gastrointestinal malformations. In addition to vomiting, gastroenteritis may also present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Vomiting caused by intestinal obstruction tends to be more severe and may contain bile or fecal-like material, often associated with bloating. Gastrointestinal malformations usually manifest early in life, while vomiting caused by conditions outside the digestive system is often reactive in nature and accompanied by symptoms related to the affected system. For example, vomiting due to central nervous system disorders is often projectile and may be accompanied by fever, seizures, or coma.

Given the complexity of possible causes, vomiting in children should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious fluid and electrolyte imbalances and, in severe cases, even threaten life. If a child continues to vomit persistently and shows signs of poor mental alertness, prompt medical attention is necessary to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.