What Could Be the Causes of Unexplained Vomiting in a Child?

Family Medicine, University of California San Diego Health System

Supervised by Garrett Kneese, MD, MPH

Unexplained vomiting in a child can be caused by several things, including problems with the brain, stomach, or even repeated bouts of vomiting with no clear cause.

Explanation

When a child experiences vomiting without a clear reason, doctors consider many possible causes. One possibility is that the brain or central nervous system is involved. For example, increased pressure in the head or other brain conditions can lead to vomiting. Another common cause is gastrointestinal problems. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is one such condition, where a child may have repeated, unexplained episodes of vomiting even when they seem healthy between episodes. Sometimes, metabolic issues or less common stomach problems might trigger vomiting too. Other reasons can include stress or a sensitivity in the body that we do not yet fully understand. Because there are many possible causes, it is important for a doctor to ask questions, do a careful exam, and sometimes order tests to find out what is happening. With the right information, the doctor can help decide the best way to treat the vomiting and keep the child safe and comfortable.

(References)

Ravelli AM, Milla PJ. Vomiting and gastroesophageal motor activity in children with disorders of the central nervous system. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1998 Jan;26(1):56-63. doi: 10.1097/00005176-199801000-00010. PMID: 9443121.
Raucci U, Borrelli O, Di Nardo G, Tambucci R, Pavone P, Salvatore S, Baldassarre ME, Cordelli DM, Falsaperla R, Felici E, Ferilli MAN, Grosso S, Mallardo S, Martinelli D, Quitadamo P, Pensabene L, Romano C, Savasta S, Spalice A, Strisciuglio C, Suppiej A, Valeriani M, Zenzeri L, Verrotti A, Staiano A, Villa MP, Ruggieri M, Striano P, Parisi P. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Children. Front Neurol. 2020 Nov 2;11:583425. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.583425. PMID: 33224097; PMCID: PMC7667239.
El Aissaoui F, Salhi H, Ammor A, Benhaddou H. Uncommon Cause of Chronic Vomiting in Children. Cureus. 2022 Jun 12;14(6):e25876. doi: 10.7759/cureus.25876. PMID: 35836464; PMCID: PMC9275784.

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