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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should An Infant Be Taken To A Doctor For Chronic Vomiting?

Hello! My 1 year old has been ill since last Sunday! Last Sunday he was just sleeping all day and then on Monday he only had the runs but was still eating a drinking but Tuesday around 3:30am I woke up to him crying only to find out he has thrown up all in his cot and all over him! He the. Continued to have the runs all day Tuesday and all day yesterday but Tuesday night he wasn t really hungry so I just left it and yesterday he didn t eat much at all and now today he is throwing up and just won t eat or drink!?! I don t know wether I should take him to hospital or not?
Wed, 20 Jun 2018
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



You describe your infant has having acute gastroenteritis(vomiting and diarrhea). This is most likely due to a virus. Does he attend daycare where he could have acquired the virus from the other children?

The initial concern is he dehydrated?



Signs of dehydration include:

- Does not make tears when he cries

- Dry lips, tongue, and mouth

- When you gently pinch the skin over his abdomen, it feels doughy and takes 2-3 seconds to fall back into place

-He wets his diaper with less frequency than when he is well

Does he have a temperature greater than or equal to 101 degrees? If he does not show signs of dehydration and does not have a high temperature, it is safe for you to keep him at home.

I recommend that you give him nothing by mouth for the next 4-6 hours. If he does not vomit during this period, then offer him a couple ounces of room temperature Pedialyte or apple or pear juice. Cold fluids will cause his stomach to cramp.

After another 2-4 hours, again if there is no vomiting, you can offer your son 3-4 ounces more of fluids.

You may continue this protocol for another 1-2 times. If at any time. After he retains fluids for the first time, he indicates he wants something to eat, then you may give him a small amount of anything he would like.

Acute viral gastroenteritis usually runs its course in a week or so.
Hope I have answered your query.



Let me know if I can assist you further.

Arnold Zedd,

MD, FAAP
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Should An Infant Be Taken To A Doctor For Chronic Vomiting?

Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. You describe your infant has having acute gastroenteritis(vomiting and diarrhea). This is most likely due to a virus. Does he attend daycare where he could have acquired the virus from the other children? The initial concern is he dehydrated? Signs of dehydration include: - Does not make tears when he cries - Dry lips, tongue, and mouth - When you gently pinch the skin over his abdomen, it feels doughy and takes 2-3 seconds to fall back into place -He wets his diaper with less frequency than when he is well Does he have a temperature greater than or equal to 101 degrees? If he does not show signs of dehydration and does not have a high temperature, it is safe for you to keep him at home. I recommend that you give him nothing by mouth for the next 4-6 hours. If he does not vomit during this period, then offer him a couple ounces of room temperature Pedialyte or apple or pear juice. Cold fluids will cause his stomach to cramp. After another 2-4 hours, again if there is no vomiting, you can offer your son 3-4 ounces more of fluids. You may continue this protocol for another 1-2 times. If at any time. After he retains fluids for the first time, he indicates he wants something to eat, then you may give him a small amount of anything he would like. Acute viral gastroenteritis usually runs its course in a week or so. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP