Nausea and Vomiting

Vomiting is one health problem where advice for children and adults is completely different. If you’re an adult with vomiting, you have a much lower risk of dehydration, and usually can tell by thirst and other symptoms when you are becoming dehydrated. Adults are also better at noticing signs in themselves that some other illness is causing the vomiting. But children dehydrate quickly (especially if they have diarrhea, too). Children often can’t tell you about other symptoms they might be having, so it is important to get medical attention immediately .

You should seek immediate medical care if any of the following situations occur with vomiting:

• There is blood in the vomit (bright red or “coffee grounds” in appearance)
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Lethargy, confusion or a decreased alertness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Diarrhea
• Rapid breathing or pulse