Question: Hi doctor,
I am a mother to a 10-month-old baby girl. My daughter had just puked in the car. Prior to the incident, I noticed that she wasn’t as active when she woke up from her nap. Could it be wind, stomachache etc? What should I look out for? I’m worried but at the same time, I don’t want to overreact. Should I bring her to a paediatrician immediately or wait and see before doing so? She seems to be eating well after puking, though. Will be waiting for your reply, thank you. (Nadirah R)
Answer: Dear Puan, if the puking is a one-off incident and not associated with fever, lethargy, reduced oral intake, tummy upset or diarrhoea, then you can wait and see. The stomach capacity of an infant is small,and thus easily prone to vomitting. The content of the vomitting is also important to note. If it is greenish in colour, or blood – it is a dangerous sign, while food particles is not. If vomiotting persists, you should seek help. Vomitting is a very non-specific sign, ranging from food-releated illness, to viral infection, urine infection or more sinister things like meningitis, head injury. In these events, the vomitting is not just an isolated, single event but recurrent and associated with other warning signs that i mention above.