India, Aug. 23 -- Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease. Its pattern and accompanying symptoms provide clues to the cause. The most common causes are viral stomach infections, food poisoning, gastroesophageal reflux, motion sickness, migraine, severe coughing or infections such as ear and urinary tract infections. Vomiting may accompany appendicitis, a blockage in the intestine, accidental poisoning or an illness affecting the brain. Reliable India-wide figures for vomiting as an isolated complaint are not available because it accompanies many different illnesses. However, a recent study conducted in Gujarat found that nearly 63.6% of children below five years of age admitted with acute gastroenteritis had vomiting (1). Infants and young children can become dehydrated more quickly because they have smaller fluid reserves. The risk is greater when vomiting is frequent or accompanied by diarrhoea or fever. Most children with a brief, intermittent complaint do not require investigations. If dehydration is significant or intravenous fluids may be needed, blood tests may include electrolytes. Blood glucose and urine ketones may be checked if diabetes is suspected. Other tests or scans are advised according to the symptoms. Parents should seek prompt medical attention if the child has green or blood-stained vomit, severe abdominal pain or swelling, severe headache or unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, vomiting after a head injury or suspected poisoning. The biggest concern with repeated vomiting is dehydration. Parents should watch for a dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken eyes, reduced urine output, unusual sleepiness, irritability, dizziness or weakness. The first priority at home is preventing dehydration. Instead of giving a large amount at once, offer small, frequent sips of ORS every few minutes. Breastfeeding should continue. Once vomiting settles and the child can tolerate fluids, a normal diet should be resumed. Sugary and fizzy drinks should be avoided. Do not give anti-vomiting medicines unless prescribed by a doctor. Vomiting can look dramatic, but most children recover with rest, fluids and supportive care. Observe the child's hydration, urine output, alertness and overall behaviour rather than only counting episodes of vomiting. If your child appears unusually weak, drowsy, dehydrated or simply "not themselves", it is safest to seek medical advice without delay. (1) Vyas et al, Epidemiology and Burden of Rotavirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children Aged Under 5 Years in Gujarat, India, from 2020 to 2023, Indian Journal of Pediatrics (2025)...