pediatrics
Nausea and Vomiting in Infants and Children
Etiology
The causes of vomiting vary with age and range from relatively benign to potentially life threatening ( see Table: Some Causes of Vomiting in Infants, Children, and Adolescents ). Vomiting is a protective mechanism that provides a means to expel potential toxins; however, it can also indicate serious disease (eg, Infants normally spit up small amounts (usually<5 to 10 mL) during or soon after feedings, often when being burped. Rapid feeding, air swallowing, and overfeeding may be causes, although spitting up occurs even without these factors. Occasional vomiting may also be normal, but repeated vomiting is abnormal. The most common causes of vomiting in infants and neonates include the following: Acute viral Overview of Gastroenteritis None Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants disease Other important causes in infants and neonates include the following: Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis None Intestinal obstruction (eg, Meconium Ileus , volvulus, intestinal atresia, stenosis) Intussusception (typically in infants aged 3 to 36 months) Less common causes of recurrent vomiting include Neonatal Sepsis and food intolerance. 