What to Do if Your Kid is Throwing Up but Doesn't Have a Fever

The list of possible reasons why someone might be throwing up without a fever is pretty extensive. Parents need to give their kid first aid and reach out to a qualified doctor.

Throwing Up Without a Fever in Kids: What's Behind It

Throwing up isn't a disease in itself, but rather a symptom. So, the first thing to do is figure out what triggered the vomiting in your kid.

Vomiting without a fever can be a sign of a serious illness

Vomiting is a defense mechanism that helps the body get rid of toxic substances. The signal to the brain to "activate" this reflex can come from any organ – the kidneys, liver, stomach, etc.

The following conditions can trigger vomiting:

A pyloric spasm, which occurs due to the immaturity of the nervous system or overexertion. In this case, the vomiting is quite profuse and prolonged. This usually happens in infants. Intestinal obstruction – more common in children under 2, but can occur in older kids too. Causes include worm infestation or gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pathologies. A symptom to look out for is bile in the vomit. A foreign object in the esophagus. Little kids tend to put everything they can get their hands on into their mouths. If the object damages the mucous membranes, you might see blood in the vomit. Food poisoning. Sometimes, diarrhea occurs along with vomiting, but there are cases where only vomiting is present. Gastrointestinal Inflammation. Kids who frequently chow down on fast food can end up with gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and other gastrointestinal tract issues. In these cases, it's common to see vomiting of mucus and bile. However, these conditions often come with a slight fever.Allergies. Vomiting can be a reaction to a certain food item.Central Nervous System Disorders. Here, vomiting isn't related to food – it can happen at any time, regardless of eating. This symptom often comes with dizziness and general weakness.Acetone Syndrome. This is a condition characterized by a sharp increase in the level of acetone in the blood.

Sometimes, vomiting occurs after a recent injury or due to severe stress. Kids with unstable emotions might sometimes engage in demonstrative vomiting – when it's induced on purpose to grab adults' attention. In any case, it's crucial to get the child to a doctor for a medical check-up.

Diagnosis

Right after you reach out to a doctor, they'll kick off with some diagnostic tests. First off, the doc will check out your kid and take a good look at what's coming up when they vomit. They might even send off those puke samples for testing to hunt down the bug causing it (that's if the doc thinks it's coming from an infection).

It's pretty common to get some imaging tests ordered too – like an ultrasound or an X-ray, you know. Once the diagnosis is nailed down, the doctor will line up the right treatment.

First Aid

Whether or not to call an ambulance if vomiting occurs without a fever depends on the child's condition:

If everything was fine in the evening, and suddenly the child throws up in their sleep, you need to call an ambulance immediately. If vomiting occurs during the day when the child is awake, and then disappears after the first episode, keep an eye on the little one. If they're feeling fine, there's no need to rush to call a doctor. If the vomiting continues and the child's condition gets worse, call medical professionals without delay. While waiting for the doctors, provide first aid: Don't leave the child alone, try to calm them down. Stay close and monitor any changes in their condition. After each vomiting episode, rinse the child's mouth – there shouldn't be anything left in it. Make sure the child lies either on their side or on their back, but with their head turned to the side. If they lie on their back face up, the vomit could enter their respiratory tract during another episode. Regularly air out the room. Replenish the fluids lost through vomiting, but do so very carefully. If the child drinks even half a glass of water, there's a high chance of another vomiting episode. Therefore, it's recommended to give a teaspoon of liquid every 2-3 minutes.

While keeping the kid stable using these methods, wait for the medics to arrive, and then strictly follow their instructions. If they say hospitalization is needed, don't refuse under any circumstances, as the consequences could be really severe.

Treating Vomiting Without a Fever

Most of the time, when dealing with vomiting, a pediatrician will refer you to a gastroenterologist – a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. They'll prescribe a special diet and a course of medication.

Even if the issue isn't with the gastrointestinal tract, you still can't skip the diet – it's necessary for the body's recovery.

If vomiting without a fever is a symptom of a nervous system disorder, it's essential to see a neurologist.

Sometimes, vomiting can be a psychological symptom. In that case, the child needs the help of a psychologist or psychotherapist. Buckle up, because this kind of treatment usually takes a while. Moreover, it requires a lifestyle change for both the child and the rest of the family.

Potential Complications

Since vomiting isn't a disease but a symptom, it doesn't cause complications on its own. Complications can arise if you don't start treating the underlying conditions causing the vomiting in time. In many cases, these complications can be pretty serious, so you shouldn't drag your feet about seeing a doctor.

If the vomiting goes on for too long, dehydration and weakening of the body are inevitable. It's crucial to give your child any medications prescribed by a doctor under their supervision. Self-medicating is a no-go – it might not help at all or could even backfire.

The causes can vary

Preventing Vomiting Without a Fever

It's impossible to completely prevent this symptom, but you can minimize the chances of vomiting happening. To do this:

Make sure your kid always follows personal hygiene rules and washes their hands before eating. Also, wash all vegetables and fruits, including those that will later be cooked, since many bacteria can survive high temperatures. Keep an eye on what your little one eats. Food should be fresh – always check the expiration date. Cut down on fast food, chips, and sugary sodas. Try to wean your child off putting random objects in their mouth. Make sure they don't touch household chemicals and medications. Ensure your child eats on time but doesn't overeat. Sometimes, the body uses vomiting to get rid of excess food – this is especially true in infancy. The diet should be varied – the body needs vitamins and minerals regularly. If necessary, you can also take vitamin supplements. If you notice any deviations or suspect them, consult a doctor immediately. Don't self-medicate. Never prescribe medications to your child on your own. Preventive check-ups at the clinic.

No matter what the cause of vomiting without a fever is, it's easier to prevent it than to treat it. Follow preventive measures, but if the episodes have already started – don't delay seeking medical help and provide your little one with first aid. This will help prevent the consequences of such deviations.