A cold in children is a common acute respiratory infection, especially in children under 5 years old. In addition to symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and fever, children may also experience frequent vomiting, which can worry parents. So, what should parents do when a child has a cold and vomits frequently?
1. What are the signs of a cold in children?
According to many studies, infants and toddlers tend to catch a cold 8 to 10 times a year before they turn 2. Preschool-aged children typically get around 9 colds annually. Teenagers and adults tend to catch colds 2 to 4 times per year.
The cold season lasts from September to March or April, so children tend to fall ill most frequently during these months.
Children with a cold often show the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue, crying, and less playfulness
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Cough
A cold in children can usually resolve within 7-10 days with proper care. However, if the child vomits frequently and cannot eat or drink, the cold may worsen and take longer to recover.
Trắc nghiệm: Bạn có phân biệt được chính xác cảm lạnh và cúm mùa?
Cảm cúm và cảm lạnh là hai khái niệm mà chúng ta thường đánh đồng nó giống nhau, không phân biệt rõ ràng. Dưới đây là một số câu hỏi trắc nghiệm, giúp bạn có thêm những kiến thức phân biệt cảm lạnh và cảm cúm. Từ đó, có những biện pháp điều trị bệnh phù hợp.2. What causes frequent vomiting in children with a cold?
Vomiting is the condition where food is forcefully expelled from the stomach through the mouth due to sudden contraction of the abdominal muscles.
The following causes can lead to frequent vomiting in children with a cold:
- Frequent coughing: When a child coughs, the muscles in the abdomen and chest contract, increasing the pressure in the abdominal cavity and pressing on the stomach. This makes it easier for the child to vomit.
- Swallowing mucus and phlegm: Children, especially those under 2 years old, are not able to blow their noses or clear phlegm properly and often swallow the mucus. This keeps the stomach constantly full and bloated, which can lead to more vomiting.
- Crying: Excessive crying can also make a child more likely to vomit.
In addition, the habit of parents encouraging their children to eat more to recover quickly can affect the child psychologically, making them more prone to vomiting during a cold.
3. What should parents do when their child has frequent vomiting due to a cold?
Frequent vomiting can be concerning for parents. However, the first thing to do when handling a child with a cold and vomiting is for parents to stay calm and observe the child's symptoms.
3.1. Seek immediate medical attention if your child shows any of the following signs:
- Vomiting starts suddenly and severely.
- Vomiting frequently and continuously.
- Vomiting bile, blood, or stool.
- Unable to eat or breastfeed.
- Vomiting with a high fever (above 38.5°C).
- Vomiting accompanied by signs of dehydration: dry lips, sunken eyes, thirst, dry skin.
- Or if there are any serious symptoms like convulsions, lethargy (difficult to wake), rapid breathing, etc.
These are serious signs, and parents should take their child to a medical facility for treatment if any of these symptoms occur.
3.2. Home Care for Mild Cases
If the vomiting due to a cold is mild and does not present any of the serious symptoms mentioned earlier, parents can take the following steps:
Rehydrate and Replace Electrolytes
Frequent vomiting can cause significant loss of fluids and stomach contents, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Parents can give the child water or oral rehydration solutions as Oresol according to the doctor's instructions. It is recommended to give small sips of liquid, as drinking too much at once can worsen vomiting.
Rest
Allow your baby to rest as much as possible and limit physical activities. A relaxed state can reduce irritation and help minimize vomiting.
Eat light and small meals
Offer easily digestible foods like porridge with minced meat, bananas, soft bread, etc. Avoid fatty or spicy foods, as these can cause more vomiting. Meals should be divided into smaller portions to prevent overeating.
Do not feed immediately after vomiting
Feeding the child right after vomiting can make the situation worse. Parents should wait 30 to 60 minutes before offering food again to reduce the chance of more vomiting.
Reduce cold symptoms
When the cold resolves, the vomiting should stop as well. A cold typically improves within 7-10 days with proper care.
- Keep the living environment clean and warm.
- Use saline solution to frequently rinse the child’s nose.
- Use a warm compress to reduce fever. Only administer fever-reducing medication if the child's temperature exceeds 38.5°C and under the guidance of a doctor.
- Ensure everyone in the household washes their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Avoid using antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
- Vaccinate children from 6 months and older against the flu and continue annual boosters.
4. Conclusion
Vomiting due to a cold can be distressing for parents, but staying calm and providing appropriate care is key to helping the child recover. Seek medical attention if any serious issues arise.
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