Q: My 10-year-old started vomiting after our flight. Is it motion sickness or something else?

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Question:

My 10-year-old child and I are on an international trip. He had a runny nose and took some cold medicine, including an antibiotic, yesterday. He ate dinner well and was fine during the flight, but as soon as we arrived, he started complaining of stomach pain and eye pain. He has since vomited 4 times. He doesn't have a fever and is sleeping now. Could this just be motion sickness?

Answer:

It must have been very alarming for your child to suddenly start vomiting during your trip.

【Current Situation Summary】

* A 10-year-old child experienced abdominal pain, eye pain, and vomited 4 times immediately after arriving from a flight.

* No fever, currently sleeping.

* Took cold medication, including an antibiotic, yesterday.

【Possible Causes】

This could be due to motion sickness, travel fatigue, side effects from medication (including the antibiotic), dehydration, or the early stages of acute gastroenteritis.

【What to Do Now】

* When your child wakes up, try giving 1–2 teaspoons of water every 5 minutes slowly.

* Lay your child down with their upper body slightly elevated and turn them to the side to keep their airway clear.

* Keep a record of the vomit's color and frequency, as well as urine output.

* For now, stop the antibiotic and consult with the prescribing doctor either locally or upon your return.

【Seek local medical evaluation today if you notice any of the following:】

* Persistent vomiting (unable to keep fluids down for more than 6 hours).

* No urination for over 8 hours.

* Severe abdominal pain (clutching the stomach or crying when touched).

* Blood or bile (green/yellow) in the vomit.

* Lethargic or slow to respond.

* Eye pain accompanied by vision changes, sensitivity to light, or a headache.

【Tips for Using Local Medical Services】

* You can find major local hospitals by searching online for "major hospitals in [city name]."

* If you have travel insurance, contact their 24-hour hotline first for hospital recommendations and interpretation support.

* Bring a note with the names and dosages of any medications your child is taking.

If their condition improves after sleeping tonight and they can drink water well in the morning, you can try starting with light foods (like porridge or a banana) and continue to observe. Please let us know of any changes in symptoms so we can check the next steps together.

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