How to stop vomiting. Advice for children and adults

Vomiting is a defense mechanism of the body that signals that something is wrong. It can be a viral infection, digestive problems, a reaction to medication, or even stress. Whether it occurs in a child or an adult, it is a very unpleasant condition that requires the right approach. In this article, you will learn what causes vomiting, how to gently stop it, and when it is appropriate to seek medical attention.

Possible causes of vomiting

There are many reasons for vomiting. The most common include:

• Viral and bacterial infections (e.g., rotaviruses, noroviruses)

• Spoiled food or food poisoning (alcohol overdose), food allergies

• Overheating or heatstroke

• Reaction to medication or severe coughing

• Motion sickness

• Stress, anxiety, or emotional distress, migraine

• In young children – even excessive excitement or crying

How to help children when they are vomiting

Children are often frightened when they vomit, they don't know what is happening, they feel sick and they are afraid. Therefore, react calmly and confidently. Don't panic, explain the situation logically and be patient.

• Calm and safety: Calm the child down, sit them down or lay them on their side so that they do not choke on any vomit.

• Offer small amounts of fluids: Ideally, give them a teaspoon every 5 to 10 minutes. Lukewarm tea, water, or a special rehydration solution from the pharmacy are best.

• Let their stomach rest: Do not force your child to eat after vomiting. Try offering the first meal (e.g., crackers, cooked carrots, potatoes) only after a few hours without any problems.

• Watch for signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, no urination, lethargy – these are warning signs.

What to avoid when vomiting

There are certain things that should definitely be avoided after vomiting.

• Sweetened drinks, juices, milk, or fatty foods.

• Strong smells.

• Medicines for vomiting without consulting a doctor.

Dealing with vomiting in adults

• Stay in a calm environment: ideally lying on your side, as with children, to avoid inhaling vomit in case of unexpected vomiting. Breathe deeply and ventilate the room.

• Try rehydration: Drink unsweetened tea (e.g., mint or ginger), water, or low-carbonated mineral water in small sips.

• Calming the stomach: Ginger, mint, or lightly salted crackers help.

• Avoid strong smells and fatty foods.

When to go see a doctor in case of vomiting

• Vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours (more than 12 hours in children)

• Blood or dark contents (so-called "coffee grounds") appear

• Severe abdominal pain, high fever, stiff neck muscles

• Symptoms of dehydration (weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, no urination)

Myths and reality about vomiting

• "I have to eat right away to have strength" – Not true. On the contrary, the digestive system needs rest.

• "Vomiting is always a sign of infection" – Not necessarily. It can also be caused by stress or other non-infectious causes.

• "When a child vomits, it's best to give them cola right away" – Wrong. Sugar and bubbles can irritate the stomach even more.

What helps calm the stomach when vomiting

• Ginger – tea or even a small amount of candied ginger can suppress nausea.

• Peppermint – has antispasmodic effects.

• Humidifying the air and resting – help with viral infections, which often accompany vomiting.

Medications for vomiting

Adults are sometimes given antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron), but only after consulting a doctor. Self-medication is not appropriate for children, with the exception of rehydration products available at pharmacies.

A simple summary of what to do when you vomit:

1. Stay calm and assume a safe position on your side after vomiting.

2. Start slowly replenishing fluids (this may lead to further vomiting, but it will ideally cleanse the stomach; however, you must replenish water anyway)

3. Avoid eating for several hours after vomiting

4. Then replenish your strength by starting with light meals

5. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention in case of complications or in small children

If vomiting persists, other symptoms (pain) appear, or if you are in a high-risk group (infants, seniors, pregnant women), it is essential to contact a doctor. Timely help can, in the best case, prevent dehydration and, in the worst case, further complications.

Sources:

https://www.benu.cz/jak-zastavit-zvraceni

https://euc.cz/clanky-a-novinky/clanky/zvraceni-duvody-a-zpusoby-jak-ho-zastavit/

https://www.drmax.cz/pece-o-zdravi/nevolnost-a-zvraceni

https://www.lekarna.cz/odborna-poradna/jak-zastavit-zvraceni/