Overview
A vomiting baby can create a tremendous amount of anxiety and worry, however; there can be a number of factors as to why your baby is vomiting; vomiting can sometimes be a normal occurrence or a serious implication of a disease, it is also important for you to consider the baby’s age and the frequency and intensity of vomiting.
Here in this article; certain facts are presented to as to why babies vomit; it also gives us insight on what are the causes of vomiting condition of the baby; the risks, implications, complications and of course; the preventive measures a parent can do to make sure the baby is safe and healthy; away from the uncomfortable sight of pesky baby vomiting.
What are the causes of baby vomiting?
It is a normal occurrence for some babies to vomit and regurgitate, but only if it happens periodically; it happens in every infant under 12 months after birth.
However; frequent vomiting of your baby can be a sign of a serious disease or complications; if any of that happens; it is best to consult your pediatrician to ask for medical assistance.
The most common culprit of babies vomiting is a condition called gastroenteritis; it is a defense mechanism of a baby’s body wherein the body will force out a vomit to remove bacteria and virus in the baby’s gut system, in short, gastroenteritis is caused by viral or bacterial infections.
It’s normal during this time because your baby might still be developing his or her immune function that is the reason why whenever your baby gets other serious serious conditions such as colds; flu, dengue or malaria fever, or extreme distress and anxiety; the baby’s immune system fights it more and makes itself stronger.
It is also important to take note that; children who are under 5 years of age are most likely to catch gastroenteritis; during those instances he or she might experience frequent vomiting, some children may also be more sensitive to motion sickness due to traveling by any kind of vehicle and it could cause vomiting.
A mild case of diarrhea can also be a culprit of vomiting babies; diarrhea is an abnormal bowel movement wherein a baby has very watery and loose stools; a serious and extreme case of diarrhea called chronic diarrhea which can last for up to four to 5 weeks, other rare but known causes of a baby vomiting is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI); HIV and ear; nose or mouth infections.
Is there normal vomiting: baby spitting up?
Sometimes parents might get mistaken their children vomiting up to be a serious disease; however; it is not exactly the case; babies naturally vomit small amounts of liquid or foods that they have eaten; in some instances, the baby burps out the milk; this is entirely normal for the baby.
This is a normal condition called spitting out or in medical terms gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) or simply reflux. it happens due to the undeveloped muscular valve; it doesn’t close properly because it is still undeveloped and in turn; when the baby’s stomach is full of milk or any food he or she has taken; the food can flow back up to the pipe going to the undeveloped valve.
Undeveloped muscular valve could also result in the baby experiencing hiccups, splutter, and heavy coughs; it is a natural mechanism that ensures your baby’s inflow system of food is well; baby reflux is nothing to worry about.
What are the complications of a baby vomiting?
Too much vomiting could result in your baby being harshly dehydrated and it could result in meningitis; a serious medical disorder that results in the inflammation of the baby’s brain and spinal cord; and it triggers a series of painful manifestation of symptoms such as pain in the back area; stiff neck, and headaches.
Aside from dehydration; severe and persistent vomiting of the baby could also result in malnutrition; as all the excess nutrients found in the breast milk is just being regurgitated by the baby’s food pipe; this just makes things even worse for the baby
Aside from those complications; occasional vomiting is normal for babies as their tummies are adjusting to the transition from liquid foods such as breast milk to solid chunks of food; occasional baby vomiting is normal for children who are under 1 year old/12 months old
Severe and persistent reflux which is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); can be another cause of your baby’s vomiting activity; it can cause your baby to be uncomfortable after drinking his or her milk; symptoms of this persistent reflux is your baby’s frequent crying and coughing of milk; GORD is commonly experienced by malnourished and premature babies artist’s occurrence is rare.
How to prevent persistent baby vomiting or reflux?
- Stay natural, few your baby a dose of your breast milk; there are also known instances when animals especially cows milk, when your baby vomits the animal milk or formula milk you have given, it may simply mean your baby’s immune system is sensitive to those products and you should avoid them at all costs, it is also important to take note that breast milk has anti-inflammatory; antiviral and antibacterial properties which can boost your baby’s function.
- Always make sure your baby is well-cleaned; good hygiene is the best preventive shield against bacteria and viruses that can spread diseases to the baby.
- Avoid giving your child solid foods especially after a day of vomiting; try to incorporate fluids and breast milk as much as possible to prevent dehydration from vomiting too much liquid.
- Try letting him or her drink natural fruit juice especially after vomiting to reduce the chances of dehydration and at the same time; his or her body is supplemented with a good amount of antioxidants that help fight off the infection in the body.
- If the vomiting still continues it is best to have your child be treated by a physician to make sure nothing serious is happening from your baby.
Read Also:
- Is Walking Safe During Pregnancy?
- Pregnancy Diet – How Safe Is It to Eat Apricot During Pregnancy?
- Everything You Need To Know About Hypersalivation During Pregnancy
