Vomiting is a common and nonspecific sign of multiple illnesses in infants and children, ranging from benign and self-limiting to life-threatening and requiring immediate management. A careful clinical evaluation, with consideration given to the most serious differential diagnoses, is necessary.
- Causes of vomiting in children vary from the benign and self-limiting to life-threatening.
- Distinguishing vomiting from regurgitation that is effortless or rumination that is not forceful is important.
- Consideration of the broad range of diagnostic groups of gastrointestinal/abdominal, neurological/psychological and systemic illnesses that may result in vomiting assists in identifying the principal causes.
- Extra caution should be taken when assessing children with red flag symptoms and signs.