Nausea can be defined as a queasiness in the stomach that is accompanied by an involuntary urge to vomit. Episodes of nausea in children and adolescents are not uncommon (1) (2). Nausea is not a disease but a complex symptom of various underlying conditions and can be managed at homes for some children. Read this post to know more about the causes, home remedies, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea in children.
Associated Symptoms In Children
There are other symptoms that often accompany nausea. Below are some of the common ones among children (3) (4).
Fever Abdominal pain Vomiting Dizziness Headache Loss of appetite Sore throat
Home Remedies For Managing Nausea In Children
You may try the following tips at home to control your child’s nausea (5).
Adequate intake of fluids or cold liquids to help ease nausea Give them light and bland food (plain bread or a cracker) with soft texture Avoid greasy, fried, sugary, or fatty foods Take rest after each meal People also use roasted/ grounded cumin seeds. You may simply ask your child to chew them or boil them in water and make them drink it.
If you suspect nausea to be a side effect of medication, then consult a doctor before stopping the use of the medicine.
How To Prevent Nausea In Children?
You may encourage your child to follow these preventive measures (5).
Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of a few bigger meals. Teach your child to eat slowly and chew their food properly.
You may include high-fiber foods (whole grains and fruits with their skin) that are good for the digestive system and can also help prevent constipation
Avoid any physical activity after a meal. Also, avoid brushing or cleaning the tongue immediately after the meal since it might induce nausea.
In the case of motion sickness, you may make your child sit in the car facing the windshield. You can also avoid routes that induce motion sickness. Make them smell a lemon or chew some citrus food to get some relief.
What Causes Nausea In Children?
Various conditions can trigger nausea. The following are the most common reasons for nausea among children and teens.
When To Call A Doctor?
Seek prompt medical help if your child experiences the following symptoms with nausea or vomiting (4) (5).
Severe abdominal pain Severe headache or stiff neck Confusion Reduced alertness Faster pulse or breathing Jaundice Fever for more than a day Symptoms of dehydration
Low urine output Blood in urine or stools or vomitus
Diagnosing The Cause Of Nausea In Children
Doctors do not specifically investigate nausea but the underlying condition or disease that led to nausea. The following steps and procedures are used for diagnosis (3).
Physical examination of the abdomen or torso Examining the medical history of the child Blood, stool, and urine tests to detect pathogens CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of brain or abdomen depending on signs Colonoscopy to detect abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum Autonomic testing to observe the autonomic nervous system after brain trauma Ultrasound of the abdomen Upper GI endoscopy to look the insides of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine Gastrointestinal X-rays to check the presence of inflammation or blockages
Quiara Smith, MOT, an expert pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist from West Fargo, North Dakota, says, “The root cause (food allergies, GI issues, anxiety, etc.) of nausea and vomiting is the most important aspect to uncover for the long-term outlook in children, since this affects a child’s functioning across all environments and impacts tasks they need to participate in.”
Treatment Of Nausea In Children
Treatment options depend on the diagnosis of the condition. The doctor might use one or more of the following treatment options (5) (21).
Antimicrobials for the treatment of infectious diseases Anti-inflammatory medicines Antacids, H2 blockers, or proton-pump inhibitors for acid reflux Dietary changes in the case of IBS or food intolerance Antiemetic medications for motion sickness Medicines that control the flow of food through the stomach called prokinetics Medications for controlling nausea and vomiting in children after chemotherapy Behavioral therapy, antidepressants, or counseling sessions to relieve nausea due to distress
Smith adds, “After treatment, children continue to utilize coping strategies around nausea and vomiting prevention with the tools they have learned while participating in complementary and alternative medicine intervention.” Parents are advised not to self-medicate children for nausea and vomiting but you may try some home remedies for mild and infrequent nausea.
References:
- Vomiting in children and babies; NHS
