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What Causes Persistent Vomiting Despite Having Gluten-free And Dairy-free Food?

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Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2015
Question: Hello,

I have a 6 year old daughter that has been throwing up daily for over 10 weeks. This occured after having to take second round of antibiotics for an ear infection. It seems to be exacerbated by dairy and she is already gluten free. Even now that she is dairy free, the vomiting still occurs. It is most common in the morning even before she has eaten in which case she may dry heave several times with very little fluid coming up and sometimes bile.
We have taken her to Childrens hospital and have blood work that has been done, but they say nothing is too far outside of the normal range and they want us to wait until she looses 10 or more pounds before they do any more testing.
I am happy to send over blood test reults or take any suggestions that you might have.

Sincerly, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Kathy Shattler (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX allergies in children can be very challenging

Detailed Answer:
Tracking down food allergies, reading labels - it is all tedious and challenging. Does your daughter have "postnasal sinus drip" where the fluid from her sinuses drip down into the back of her throat? That may be creating the phlegm that stimulates her to vomit.

It is clear as evidenced by the ongoing skin rashes that your daughter is still dealing with allergies. The first place to start is to keep a journal of everything your daughter does, eats, puts on her skin and when reactions occur.

I was unable to access the test sent, but the basis for her problems are allergenic and need to be pursued in that manner in my opinion. Now there are some tests you can have run called the Alcat tests that can help you narrow down food allergies. You can call the company to see what practitioners are ordering these tests.

Next, are you a new label reader or expert? Gluten is in everything and this newfound dairy allergy may be more of a problem than you realize. Also, did she get tested by the skin prick test for environmental allergies? Is anything being done in that respect? We need to identify all allergies

You can calm the vomiting down by keeping her on a clear liquid diet for a few days. There are clear liquid nutritional supplements available that will provide nutrients and calories without stimulating most allergies. Is she seeing an immunologist or allergist?

Also, telling you to wait until your daughter loses 10 more pounds fits what criteria or guideline? Is that 10 pounds going to make her malnourhed?

I also suggest googling the terms to look for on labels to identify anything with milk in it; the same with gluten. Once you are familiar with the terms grocery shopping won't take so long.

Thank you for writing - I can feel your desperation. Please write back if you need to know more or need clarification. XXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Kathy
Kathy Shattler

Dietitian & Nutritionist

Practicing since :1985

Answered : 901 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Vomiting Despite Having Gluten-free And Dairy-free Food?

Brief Answer: Hi XXXXXXX allergies in children can be very challenging Detailed Answer: Tracking down food allergies, reading labels - it is all tedious and challenging. Does your daughter have "postnasal sinus drip" where the fluid from her sinuses drip down into the back of her throat? That may be creating the phlegm that stimulates her to vomit. It is clear as evidenced by the ongoing skin rashes that your daughter is still dealing with allergies. The first place to start is to keep a journal of everything your daughter does, eats, puts on her skin and when reactions occur. I was unable to access the test sent, but the basis for her problems are allergenic and need to be pursued in that manner in my opinion. Now there are some tests you can have run called the Alcat tests that can help you narrow down food allergies. You can call the company to see what practitioners are ordering these tests. Next, are you a new label reader or expert? Gluten is in everything and this newfound dairy allergy may be more of a problem than you realize. Also, did she get tested by the skin prick test for environmental allergies? Is anything being done in that respect? We need to identify all allergies You can calm the vomiting down by keeping her on a clear liquid diet for a few days. There are clear liquid nutritional supplements available that will provide nutrients and calories without stimulating most allergies. Is she seeing an immunologist or allergist? Also, telling you to wait until your daughter loses 10 more pounds fits what criteria or guideline? Is that 10 pounds going to make her malnourhed? I also suggest googling the terms to look for on labels to identify anything with milk in it; the same with gluten. Once you are familiar with the terms grocery shopping won't take so long. Thank you for writing - I can feel your desperation. Please write back if you need to know more or need clarification. XXXXX