Vomiting (throwing-up) is a common complaint in children. It may occur alongside diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever.

Common causes include;

1. Viral infection of the intestine, called stomach flu
2. Bacterial infection (ingested in contaminated food or water)
3. Infection in other parts of the body
4. Overfeeding
5. Intake of spicy foods
6. Malaria

What you can do

Because vomiting can cause dehydration, it is important to detect early any sign of dehydration. Check your child for the following signs;

1. Weakness, fainting
2. The mouth and lips may be dry
3. The eyes are sunken
4. The eyes are dry (no tear) when the child cry
5. The child may not pass urine or wet diapers as before

Continue to breastfeed if the child has not been weaned.

1. Prepare oral rehydration solution using a premixed ORT powder; follow the instructions on the sachet to prepare it, ensure you use clean water.
2. Give the child the ORS as tolerated, do not force-feed your child with it
3. If the child vomits the ORS, allow the child to rest, then give again
4. Other fluids can be used if ORS is not available or tolerated, such include;
   1. Salt sugar solution; get 1 liter of clean water, boil it and let it cool. Add 6 level teaspoon of sugar and half level teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture and give the child as tolerated.
   2. Rice water
   3. Coconut water
   4. For a child that breastfeed, continue to breastfeed
5. Do not give the child soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks or herbal concoction
6. Ensure your child is fully immunized
7. Except prescribed, antibiotics offer no special advantage to the child
8. Visit a doctor especially if:
   1. There is a high fever
   2. There is blood in the vomit
   3. The vomit is greenish
   4. The child is weak, faint, or unable to drink or eat
   5. The child has not urinated in the last 8 hours