Navigating Health

Archive for April 29th, 2010

Vomiting is a distressing symptom. It is an unpleasant experience for a child and can also be very upsetting for the parents. The causes of vomiting are many and varied, and they include infection, difficulty in absorbing certain substances for example, a sensitivity to gluten, an allergy to cow’s milk, Emotional problems such as stress or anxiety can lead to vomiting in children, digestive disorders such as a weakness in the muscles around the entrance to the stomach or an abnormality in the outlet of the stomach, rarely, vomiting can be the result of a head injury. Vomiting is commonly the result of gastroenteritis, which clears up by it. The main supportive treatment is to ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.

Constipation: Many children have difficulty in passing hard faeces at some point. Constipation in childhood in usually a temporary complains and rarely indicates a more serious problem. Constipation is often related to diet. It may occur when an infant changes from breast to bottle milk or if an older child is not eating enough fiber. A healthy, varied diet that contains plenty of fruit and vegetables and does not rely on convenience and fast foods will help both to prevent and ease constipation. It is also important that your child drinks plenty of clear fluids such as water or diluted juice. Regular exercise and sport will also be helpful. Consult a doctor if a child’s constipation persists for longer than a week. The doctor may examine the child’s rectum by inserting a gloved finger into it. Mild laxatives may be prescribed in persistent cases or if straining to pass hard faeces has caused a tear in the anal tissue.