Q: My younger child has gastroenteritis and now my older child is vomiting. ER tests were normal. Could it just be indigestion?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, 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 younger child currently has gastroenteritis, severely vomiting and having yellow liquid diarrhea. However, my older child suddenly vomited a massive amount after dinner today and complained of feeling extremely nauseous. We immediately went to the ER, where they did an X-ray and a blood test. The results showed no issues on the X-ray, and the inflammation marker in the blood test was 0. Given these normal results, is it possible that my older child doesn't have gastroenteritis and it's just a temporary case of severe indigestion?

Answer:

It must be very worrisome for you to see your older child get sick while your younger child is already struggling with gastroenteritis.

【Current Situation Summary】

• Normal X-ray + Inflammation marker 0 → This successfully rules out severe acute abdominal issues like a bowel obstruction or appendicitis.

• Younger sibling's gastroenteritis + older child's sudden vomiting → There is a high probability that this is the early stage of viral gastroenteritis.

• It is very common for gastroenteritis to present with only vomiting at first, with diarrhea starting 12 to 24 hours later.

【What to Do at Home Now】

• Let the child rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour after vomiting → Then, offer small sips of water (5-10 mL) every 5-10 minutes.

• If they do not vomit again → Slowly increase the amount of fluids.

• Solid foods: If there is no vomiting for 4 to 6 hours, you can slowly introduce soft, bland foods like rice gruel, mild porridge, or bananas.

• Infection control: Strictly separate towels and dining utensils from the younger sibling, and enforce thorough handwashing, especially after using the bathroom.

【When to Seek Immediate Medical Care Again】

• No urination for more than 8 hours.

• Signs of dehydration: dry lips, crying without tears, or appearing unusually lethargic/weak.

• Repeated vomiting that makes it impossible to keep even small sips of water down.

• Abdominal pain that progressively worsens or becomes localized to one specific area.

• The presence of bloody stool, green-colored vomit, or a high fever (≥39°C).

For today, please focus on starting with very small amounts of fluids. Monitor them closely, and if diarrhea begins or if their symptoms change tomorrow, please seek further consultation.

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