How to manage vomiting and lethargy in a 7-month-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My seven-month-old is vomiting and feeling limp, weak, and lethargic. This happened five days ago and now it happened again today. We fed him oat baby cereal on that day and today. We did not feed him the cereal on the days in between. Initially, he threw up around 10 times and was very weak all day, with blue lips. He was okay the next day. Today we fed him (oat baby cereal and banana mixed with breast milk), and then we went to the beach. He swam a bit and licked his hands since they were salty from the saltwater. Then, we fed him breast milk and he threw it all up after three hours. Now he is very weak and keeps throwing up every 10 to 20 minutes. What should we do? Please help.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Vomiting of the baby is possibly due to saltwater intake. You should continue breastfeeding, and give preboiled or purified water. Give ORS (oral rehydration solution) powder, to be mixed with 0.2 gallons of water, and feed with the spoon at frequent intervals. If vomiting is frequent I suggest you give syrup Ondansetron (0.09/lbs) once a day for two days. If symptoms still persist visit a doctor. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. It is difficult to comment. But, yes, salt water is strong and acts as an irritant to the GI (gastrointestinal tract) tract. As of now, I do not know any other cause as per history. I would suggest you continue treatment as I suggested. If symptoms still persist we can evaluate further. Sometimes indigestion can cause vomiting in the baby. I do not think, it could be any serious concern at this moment.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Regards.