Vomiting is a common thing in children. If it only happens occasionally, this is normal and probably harmless. However, if vomiting lasts for a very long time for no apparent reason, you need to be vigilant. It could be that your little one has cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that causes a person to vomit for a long period of time. This condition can occur at any age, but is generally experienced by children in the age range of 3-7 years.
Symptoms and Causes of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children
In contrast to vomiting in children which is common, the nausea and vomiting in cyclic vomiting syndrome can last for hours or even days. Vomiting can occur 3 or more times in 1 hour. During this period, the child is also weak, tends to be sleepy, and has no appetite.
Other symptoms that can be observed from cyclic vomiting syndrome in children include:
- Fever up to 38°C
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache or migraine
- Pale
- Sensitive to light
- Sensitive to sound
- Frequent spitting or drooling
- Reluctant to speak
- yellow vomit
Until now, the cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome in children is not known with certainty. Even so, most children who experience this condition have a family history of migraine sufferers, so some experts suspect a link between the two.
In addition, problems with the autonomic nervous system, brain, or spinal cord are also suspected to cause this condition.
There are also many risk factors that can cause a child to experience cyclic vomiting syndrome, ranging from fatigue, hot weather, food allergies, caffeine or MSG consumption, overeating, not eating enough, respiratory infections, emotional spikes (too excited or too sad), to stress.
The Right Way to Prevent Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children
Mother, vomiting continuously can make your little one dehydrated. If this happens often, their growth and development can also be disrupted because their nutritional intake will not be optimal.
Stomach acid that continues to rise can also injure the esophagus and damage the teeth, you know, Bun. Not only that, children with cyclic vomiting syndrome are also at risk for anxiety disorders.
Even so, you don't need to worry, cyclic vomiting syndrome can be prevented, how come. The following are simple steps you can take to prevent your little one from experiencing cyclic vomiting syndrome:
- Make sure your little one gets enough rest every day.
- Feed him in smaller portions and regularly.
- Give low-fat snacks in between main meals
- Avoid giving your little one any food or drink that can trigger cyclic vomiting syndrome.
- Avoid inviting your little one to play until they are too active and excited.
- Teach your little one to manage stress.
Mother, cyclic vomiting syndrome can endanger the health of children and adversely affect their growth and development. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the symptoms.
Take your little one to the doctor if he vomits more than 3 times in a short time, shows signs of dehydration, such as very thirsty or looks weak, also if he can't eat or drink anything.
