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What Causes Severe Vomiting And Stomach Pain In A Child?
We have a 10 year old boy who, in the past five days, has vomited violently three times along with experiencing severe stomach pain. He has no fever, no diarrhea, no increased gas, no known food allergies, or any other noticeable signs or symptoms. Thank you for your time. I look forward to a response!
Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Hello.
Thanks for writing to HCM.
The likely causes for such a severe pain and vomiting in a child are gastritis or appendicitis.
Appendicitis though causes severe pain and vomiting, is also generally accompanied by fever and the pain is continuously severe, with no respite in between. That being said, the presentation may not always be classical and there still is a possibility of it being the cause.
Gastritis, causes by inflammation of the stomach lining by increased acid secretion or decreased protective lining of the stomach, is a much more common cause. Any viral infection, decreased food intake or irregular food habits may be cause.
Other possibilities are mesenteric lymphadenitis and colitis, both of which might be diagnosed on the ultrasound.
I suggest you give him antacids like sucralfate or gelusil, 10ml half a hour before a meal. Keep him well hydrated and nourished. It should subside on its own.
If it persists, he may require more investigation into the cause by tests like a complete blood count and an ultrasound of the abdomen.
Hope this helps. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
Thanks for writing to HCM.
The likely causes for such a severe pain and vomiting in a child are gastritis or appendicitis.
Appendicitis though causes severe pain and vomiting, is also generally accompanied by fever and the pain is continuously severe, with no respite in between. That being said, the presentation may not always be classical and there still is a possibility of it being the cause.
Gastritis, causes by inflammation of the stomach lining by increased acid secretion or decreased protective lining of the stomach, is a much more common cause. Any viral infection, decreased food intake or irregular food habits may be cause.
Other possibilities are mesenteric lymphadenitis and colitis, both of which might be diagnosed on the ultrasound.
I suggest you give him antacids like sucralfate or gelusil, 10ml half a hour before a meal. Keep him well hydrated and nourished. It should subside on its own.
If it persists, he may require more investigation into the cause by tests like a complete blood count and an ultrasound of the abdomen.
Hope this helps. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
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