Vomiting syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by the throwing of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus and oral cavity. This reaction can be observed with various intestinal infections, during the period of intoxication, during poisoning. Such states of the child raise many questions for parents. How to feed a baby after vomiting? What is the diet for vomiting in a child? The correct approach to the regimen and diet during illness helps to improve the condition of the child.
The state of the child's gastrointestinal tract after vomiting
The child's stomach and intestines after pathological reactions accompanied by vomiting are in a relaxed, hypotonic state. The mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract can be inflamed for some time after the disease.
Repeated vomiting in some patients provokes small ruptures of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Such breaks are called Mellori-Weiss syndrome. Damage to the mucous membrane can cause bleeding. But this syndrome is more typical for adolescents and adults. In young children, this pathology is extremely rare.
The most common causes of vomiting in children
Vomiting syndrome is a consequence of various pathological conditions. Treatment of the underlying disease eliminates the symptoms that bother the child.
Therefore, before dealing with vomiting syndrome, it is necessary to identify the original cause:
- irritating effect on the gastric mucosa causes a protective reaction, which is aimed at expelling the pathological agent from the stomach cavity;
- most intestinal infections accompanied by vomiting. These include rotanovirus infection, salmonellosis, dysentery and others. For children, the development of rotavirus infection is more common, especially for those who attend kindergartens;
- food poisoning. Vomiting during food poisoning is formed by a protective mechanism;
- damage to the gastric mucosa with gastritis and peptic ulcer may be accompanied by vomiting;
- gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is often found in children under one year old, is characterized by a constant reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus;
- trauma, concussion, increased intracranial pressure, meningitis, encephalitis form vomiting syndrome. These diseases have a central mechanism for the onset of the pathological syndrome;
- migraine, sunstroke also often accompanied by vomiting;
- surgical pathology: appendicitis, intussusception, upper intestinal obstruction. These conditions require urgent medical attention.
Changes in the evacuation function of the stomach
Normally, minced food from the oral cavity enters the esophagus, and then for digestion - into the stomach and from it enters the intestines in portions. There are some situations in which the evacuation function changes and then food is thrown back into the esophagus and oral cavity.
This situation can be observed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, spasm or stenosis of the pyloric stomach, which are often observed in newborns.
Changes in the composition of gastric juice
An increase in the secretion and acidity of gastric juice is observed in some forms of gastritis and gastric ulcer. But the direct cause of the development of inflammation of the gastric mucosa is the bacteria Helicobacter pilori.
Changes in intestinal microflora
In cases where the child's intestines are colonized by pathogenic microflora, which gradually replaces beneficial microorganisms, an intestinal infection develops. Most intestinal infections occur with fever, diarrhea, repeated vomiting and symptoms of intoxication.
Should I feed my baby in an acute period?
A child in the midst of an illness has a complete lack of appetite. But parents in every possible way are trying to feed the child, which is not recommended.
In the acute period of the disease, the child should not be fed.
The gastrointestinal tract is not able to digest food, and feeding the child is ineffective, since food intake provokes vomiting.
Drinking regime in the acute period
The main principle of therapy for diseases accompanied by repeated vomiting is a drinking regimen. Fluid is a very important component of treatment, as dehydration develops rapidly during intestinal infections. This condition is especially dangerous for children, since their dehydration forms many times faster than in adults. The child may not want to drink, but this does not mean that it is not necessary to water him. Liquid in the acute period is the main source of nutrition for the body.
There are specially formulated oral rehydration solutions that maintain the body's water-salt balance. Such solutions include ORS, Regidron, Gastrolit, Orasan and others.
It should be understood that you need to give liquid in portions so as not to cause another attack of vomiting. That is, you need to offer the child the solution often and in small portions. For example, a tablespoon or teaspoon every 15 minutes.
You should watch for symptoms of dehydration.
If the child is no longer able to retain fluid and vomiting immediately occurs, there are no tears when crying, and the number and volume of urination has sharply decreased, then you must immediately call an ambulance. This condition is very dangerous for the child. Severe dehydration requires intravenous medication.
What can you give your child after stopping vomiting in the first days?
Even after vomiting has turned, you should not immediately go to the common table. It is important to prepare the child's body for the usual food.
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It is recommended first of all to introduce porridge boiled in water. For children under one year old, there are dairy-free cereals of industrial production. If vomiting was accompanied by diarrhea, it is recommended to offer the child rice porridge. You can also use buckwheat and corn. It is recommended to start giving porridge with small portions, that is, with one third or half. Gradually, depending on the reaction, the feeding volume should be increased.
You can also offer steamed vegetables. Lean meat is recommended. It is necessary to cook in the form of cutlets or mashed potatoes. Fried foods should not be introduced to a child after an illness. You can offer your baby fruits: bananas, apples. As a snack, it is allowed to eat lean biscuits, black bread rusks.
Recommended drinks
You should also continue to consume the liquid in full. There are some norms for every age. It is important to consume plenty of fluids for the fastest elimination of toxins from the body: up to 3 years old - 1 liter, 3 - 7 years old - 1.5 liters,> 7 years old - 2 liters. As a liquid, the child can be offered water, compotes, diluted juices and fruit drinks.
Heat treatment methods
It is recommended to serve cooked dishes. Steamed food is ideal. Vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed and treated with boiling water. Food should be gentle for a weakened gastrointestinal tract.
Prohibited Products
The use of dairy products is prohibited, especially after rotavirus infection. Spicy, smoked foods should also be excluded from the child's diet. It is not recommended to give chocolate and other confectionery. It is also important not to consume white bread and muffins. Fatty meats and fish, sausages, lard should be temporarily excluded from the menu.
Medicines to improve digestion and restore flora
On the modern pharmaceutical market, there are a small number of drugs that can restore the intestinal microflora, as well as contribute to a quick recovery. These drugs include: Linex, Normobact, Bifiform. These medicines have an evidence base and have special forms for children for use.
How and when you can return your child to a normal diet after vomiting stops
The child can be transferred to the common table 2 weeks after the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease, in particular vomiting. It is worth introducing products carefully, slowly, dosed and it is necessary to monitor the child's reaction. Parents often ask the question: How and what to feed the child after poisoning? Or what should be the diet after vomiting in a child? Feeding a child after a vomiting illness is like introducing complementary foods.
Recommendations for parents - how to avoid conditions manifested by vomiting in a child
The main principle of prevention, which helps to avoid serious diseases, is daily adherence to the rules of personal hygiene. Since vomiting is often a symptom of intestinal infections, then preventive measures should be aimed at excluding the entry of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into the child's body. After visiting various public places, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. It is also recommended to clean your hands during the day before eating, after using the toilet.
Conclusion
Any pediatrician in a children's clinic can give answers to questions about how to feed a child with vomiting and during illness. But every mother should know the rules of personal hygiene. These methods of prevention are the most effective for combating various infectious diseases.
