118
FAMILY ILLNESS
Vomiting( children)
For adults and children over 12, see p. 116 Children vomit as a result of many illnesses, including ear infections and urinary and digestive tract disorders. Anxiety or excitement may also cause vomiting. Rarely, vomiting may be due to an infection or injury to the brain. If vomiting is persistent, consult your child’ s doctor urgently.
START
Has your child had a recent head injury?
Head injury
No head injury
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child may have a concussion.
• Do not allow your child to eat or drink.
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call EMS if your child’ s vomiting is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
• Greenish yellow vomit.
• Abdominal pain for 4 hours.
• Flat, dark-red or purple spots on skin that do not
fade when pressed.
• Refusal to drink or feed( in babies) for over 6 hours.
• Abnormal drowsiness.
• Sunken eyes.
• Dry tongue.
• Not urinating during the day for 3 hours( if child
is under 1 year old) or 6 hours( in an older child).
• Black or bloodstained feces.
Does your child have any of the following?
Severe headache
Drowsiness or confusion
Dislike of bright light
Pain when bending neck
None of the above
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! Your child may have meningitis( inflamed membranes around the brain).
How old is your child?
Under 3 months
3 months or over
ACTION
CALL YOUR CHILD’ S DOCTOR NOW
These symptoms may indicate a serious abdominal condition.
Does your child seem to have abdominal pain?
Yes
No
Apart from the vomiting, is your baby generally not well, i. e. feverish or drowsy?
Not well
Well
ACTION
CALL YOUR CHILD’ S DOCTOR NOW These symptoms may have numerous causes. However, any infant under 3 months who does not seem well and vomits needs prompt medical attention.