Q: My 10-Year-Old Has Had Nausea & Vomiting for 2 Months. What's Wrong?

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Question:

My 10-year-old child has been dealing with nausea and vomiting for about two months. We initially thought it was gastroenteritis, but even after medication, the symptoms keep coming back. They feel full and nauseous after eating even small amounts of food and sometimes vomit. They also complain of stomach pain, which gets worse when they lie down to sleep. They haven't had a bowel movement today. Could this be gas, a psychological issue, or something else?

Answer:

It must be very worrying that your 10-year-old has been experiencing recurring digestive symptoms for two months. It's especially frustrating when the symptoms return despite taking medication.

Looking at the current symptom pattern:

• Vomiting and nausea lasting for 2 months

• Feeling full and uncomfortable even with small amounts of food

• Abdominal pain that worsens when lying down

• No bowel movement today

These types of chronic symptoms can be caused by a combination of several factors:

【Possible Causes】

1. Functional Dyspepsia - Stress or anxiety affecting gastrointestinal motility.

2. Delayed Gastric Emptying - Food moves slowly from the stomach to the small intestine.

3. Chronic Constipation - Stool buildup in the intestines obstructing overall digestion.

4. Food Intolerance - A reaction to specific foods (like dairy, gluten, etc.).

【Things to Try Immediately】

→ Diet: Eat very small portions, 5-6 times a day.

→ Posture: Sit upright for 30 minutes after meals. Elevate the head of the bed by 15 degrees at night.

→ Food Diary: Keep a record of everything eaten and any symptoms for 3 days to identify patterns.

→ Constipation Relief: Drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and engage in light exercise.

⚠️ Seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms:

• Weight loss

• Bloody or black stools

• Severe abdominal pain that interferes with daily activities

• Dehydration from repeated vomiting

Since the symptoms have persisted for over two months, I recommend consulting a pediatric gastroenterologist. An endoscopy or further tests may be necessary. Psychological factors can certainly play a role, so consider any recent stressors (such as school, friendships, etc.) as well.

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

https://fevercoach.us