Infant Vomiting: Causes and Concerns for Parents

Infant vomiting

Hello Dr.
Chen: My son is almost 11 months old and weighs less than 10 kg.
He only wants to drink milk when he is sleeping, and when I feed him porridge while he is awake, he often vomits, even the milk that he managed to drink.
Could this be pyloric stenosis? He used to vomit milk easily when he was younger, and now he is vomiting thin rice porridge.
What could be the cause?

Xiao Lian Ma Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/02/02

Dr. Chen Qianyi reply Pediatrics

Hello, there are many reasons why children may experience vomiting.
First, it is important to determine whether it affects their growth and development.
If there is a lack of weight gain or developmental delays, this could indicate a more serious issue, and a thorough examination should be conducted.
In such cases, congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as diaphragmatic hernia or gastrointestinal obstruction, are more common causes.
Other issues, like brain lesions, are less common and usually present with additional symptoms.

If the child is growing and developing normally but still experiences frequent vomiting, it is often related to gastroesophageal reflux (GER).
Feeding more solid foods and keeping the child's head elevated after meals can help reduce vomiting.
This gastroesophageal reflux issue typically improves as the child grows older.

Regarding your child, based on your description, it cannot be concluded that their weight is insufficient.
Children's height should be compared to their growth curve chart, which can be found in the front of the child health booklet.
By looking at the height, weight, and head circumference over the past few months, if your child's height and weight are both around the 25th percentile, it simply indicates that their body type is not tall and robust, rather than indicating underweight.
Generally, by the age of one, a baby's weight is approximately three times their birth weight.
Therefore, if the birth weight was around 3 kilograms, a weight of about 10 kilograms at one year is not considered too light.
However, it is essential to assess the overall growth status.
I recommend that you take your baby for a health check-up when they are due for vaccinations, which should provide a better understanding of their condition.

Reply Date: 2004/02/02

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you're understandably concerned about your son's vomiting, especially given his age and weight. Vomiting in infants can be caused by a variety of factors, and it's important to consider both the frequency and the context in which it occurs.

Firstly, let's discuss some common causes of vomiting in infants. One of the most prevalent reasons is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This can happen because the lower esophageal sphincter, which is supposed to keep food in the stomach, is still developing in infants. While GER is common and often resolves as the child grows, it can lead to discomfort and vomiting.

Another potential cause is food intolerance or allergies. If your son is experiencing vomiting after consuming certain foods, it could indicate that he has an intolerance or allergy to those foods. Common allergens include dairy, soy, and gluten. Keeping a food diary to track what he eats and when he vomits may help identify any patterns.

You mentioned the possibility of pyloric stenosis, which is a condition where the pylorus (the opening from the stomach to the small intestine) becomes narrowed, preventing food from passing through. This condition typically presents in infants between 3 to 12 weeks of age and is characterized by projectile vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. While your son is older than the typical age for pyloric stenosis, it’s still worth discussing with your pediatrician if you suspect this condition, especially if he shows signs of dehydration or if the vomiting is severe.

Additionally, infections, such as viral gastroenteritis, can also cause vomiting in infants. If your son has other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or irritability, it may suggest an infection.
In terms of management, it’s crucial to ensure that your son stays hydrated, especially if he is vomiting frequently. Offer small amounts of clear fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, to help prevent dehydration. If he continues to vomit after feeding, it might be helpful to try smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger ones.
If the vomiting persists or worsens, or if you notice any concerning symptoms such as blood in the vomit, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (like dry mouth, lack of tears, or decreased urination), it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your pediatrician may recommend further evaluation, which could include physical examinations, imaging studies, or referrals to specialists if necessary.

In conclusion, while occasional vomiting can be normal in infants, persistent vomiting, especially if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, warrants further investigation. It’s always best to consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your son receives the appropriate care and to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Your vigilance as a parent is key in addressing these health concerns, and I encourage you to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Vomiting in Infants: Causes and Concerns for Parents

Hello, I would like to ask you a question. My child is already six months old and often shows signs of wanting to vomit, about two hours after feeding. I'm not sure if something is stuck in his throat causing this, or if there could be another reason.

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
How much milk should a child consume? Sometimes, if they eat too much, they may vomit. If this happens, you can reduce the amount of milk slightly and observe if the symptoms improve. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to take the child to a pediatric specialist or a ped...

Understanding Vomiting in Infants: Causes and Concerns for Parents

User question: My 6-month-old baby has been coughing occasionally, and after one or two coughs, he sometimes gags, although most of the time he doesn't actually vomit anything. Occasionally, he does bring up some food from his stomach. However, he doesn't show any signs...

Dr. Huang Zheming reply Pediatrics
Coughing severely to the point of vomiting is a natural phenomenon; however, it is important to first determine whether the cough is caused by a cold. It is advisable to seek further evaluation at a hospital to avoid any delay in treatment.

Understanding Vomiting in Infants: Care Tips for Parents

Hello Doctor: Currently, there is a 9-month and 18-day-old baby girl at home. Around 6 PM, her grandfather gave her 4-5 grains of rice, and around 7 PM, she had a rice cracker. She drank her bedtime milk at 10 PM, but after finishing the milk, she started vomiting. By 11 PM, she ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
It is advisable to start with a light diet in small amounts, such as well-cooked rice porridge with some added salt for better absorption. However, if vomiting persists, there is decreased activity, or if there has been no urination for 8 hours indicating dehydration, it is recom...

Understanding Unexplained Vomiting in Young Children: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I have a 3-year-old child at home who has had a tendency to vomit easily since infancy. Sometimes, just running around makes them want to vomit, even without eating anything special; the adults just think they might be playing too hard! Recently, when they had a col...

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics
Hello: The doctor has personally replied to your email. Please check your inbox.