Q: My child has been vomiting for two days. Which hospital department should we visit, and can we get an abdominal CT?
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 child has felt sick to their stomach for the past two days, has been lying down all weekend, and has vomited several times. We visited a local clinic, but they were unsure of the cause. We plan to take our child to a general hospital tomorrow. Which department should we make an appointment with—pediatrics or internal medicine? Also, which department handles abdominal CT scans?
Answer:
It is understandable to be concerned when your child has been dealing with nausea, persistent vomiting, and low energy over the weekend.
1. Watch for Red Flag Symptoms (Go to the ER Immediately)
Before waiting for an outpatient appointment tomorrow, check if your child has any of the following emergency warning signs. If any of these are present, take them to an emergency room right away:
Pale or bluish lips, or shortness of breath
Extreme lethargy, difficulty waking up, or unresponsiveness
No urination for more than 8 hours (a sign of significant dehydration)
Vomiting bright green/yellow fluid (bile) or blood
An abdomen that feels hard or distended, or severe pain when the belly is touched
Severe headache accompanied by repeated vomiting or a stiff neck
If your child does not show these severe symptoms, is alert, can keep small amounts of fluids down, and is urinating, it is generally safe to attend an outpatient clinic tomorrow.
2. Which Department Should You Visit?
If your child is under 18 years old: Visit General Pediatrics (or Pediatric Gastroenterology if available). Pediatricians are specifically trained to evaluate children's abdominal symptoms through physical exams, blood work, and urine tests. If conditions like appendicitis, intussusception, or bowel obstruction are suspected, the pediatric team can immediately coordinate with pediatric surgery.
If the patient is 18 years or older: Schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology (Internal Medicine).
3. How to Get an Abdominal CT Scan
An abdominal CT is a diagnostic imaging test, not a specific medical department. Any physician—whether in pediatrics, internal medicine, or emergency medicine—can order an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan if they determine it is clinically necessary. Typically, the doctor will first conduct a physical exam and basic tests (such as blood or urine tests) before deciding whether advanced imaging like an ultrasound or CT is appropriate.
4. What to Do at Home While Waiting
Hydrate slowly: Offer 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or an oral rehydration solution every 5 to 10 minutes. Drinking too much fluid at once can trigger the vomiting reflex again.
Wait after vomiting: If your child vomits, rinse their mouth and wait about 30 minutes before trying fluids again.
Keep the head elevated: Keep their upper body slightly raised while resting to prevent choking if they throw up while lying down.
Keep notes: Track how many times your child vomits, the color and volume, when they last urinated, and any foods or medications they have taken. Sharing this log will help the doctor make an accurate assessment.
If your child develops any red flag symptoms or cannot keep fluids down, seek emergency medical care immediately. Otherwise, take them to a pediatric clinic for an in-person evaluation.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
