Q: My 1-year-old keeps vomiting, including projectile vomiting. Should we go to the ER?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 1-year-old keeps vomiting. Over the weekend, my baby didn't have a fever but caught a cold with a runny nose and cough, so we were prescribed some medication. There is still a little bit of yellow nasal discharge, but my baby was eating well and in good spirits.

Today, my baby had breakfast at 9 AM, took a short nap, drank milk around 12 PM, and then we went out. At 3 PM, my baby refused lunch and vomited while I was holding them in the baby carrier. After cleaning up, I gave some water and sat my baby down, but they vomited a second time. My baby refused to eat after that until around 7 PM. I tried feeding some baby food; they took about 5 spoonfuls well but then immediately had projectile vomiting.

Should I take my baby to the emergency room, or should I monitor them and try to feed them something else before putting them to sleep? Please help.

Answer:

It is completely understandable that you are worried about your 1-year-old vomiting repeatedly, especially while they are currently taking cold medication.

Based on your description, the current situation involves three episodes of vomiting between 9 AM and 7 PM, including projectile vomiting immediately after eating a small amount of dinner. Fortunately, there is no fever.

Please check your baby for the following signs right now:

1. Is your child unusually lethargic or lacking their normal energy?

2. Are their lips or mouth dry, or are they crying without tears?

3. Are their diapers significantly less wet than usual?

When to visit the Emergency Room immediately:

• If your baby has not urinated (no wet diaper) for 8 hours or more.

• If your baby becomes increasingly lethargic and unresponsive.

• If your baby cries severely, suggesting severe abdominal pain.

How to manage the symptoms tonight:

1. Do not give your baby anything to eat or drink for 30 minutes to let their stomach rest.

2. After 30 minutes, give just 5ml (about one teaspoon) of water or an oral rehydration solution (pediatric electrolyte drink) every 5 minutes.

3. If your baby tolerates this without vomiting, you can gradually increase the amount to 10ml at a time.

4. Stop all solid foods and milk for the rest of the night until tomorrow morning.

If your baby cannot retain any fluids by morning or continues to vomit despite these steps, please go to the emergency room immediately. Additionally, since the vomiting could potentially be related to the cold medication, please visit your pediatrician tomorrow morning for an in-person evaluation and to discuss adjusting the prescription.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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