17 Causes Of Nausea In Children, Treatment And Home Remedies

Changes in the diet plan and administration of medicines can help manage the symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuradha Bansal, MD Dr. Anuradha Bansal Dr. Anuradha BansalMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pediatrics and NeonatologyExperience: 13 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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Child Feeling Nauseous, Representing Causes Of Nausea

Image: ShutterStock

Nausea can be defined as a queasiness in the stomach that is accompanied by an involuntary urge to vomit. Episodes of nausea in children and adolescents are not uncommon (1) (2). Nausea is not a disease but a complex symptom of various underlying conditions and can be managed at home for some children. Read this post to know more about the causes, home remedies, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of nausea in children.

In This Article

Associated Symptoms In Children

Nausea in children is associated with abdominal pain

Image: Shutterstock

There are other symptoms that often accompany nausea. Below are some of the common ones among children (3) (4).

  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sore throat

Home Remedies For Managing Nausea In Children

Bland food may help manage nausea in children

Image: Shutterstock

You may try the following tips at home to control your child’s nausea (5).

  • Adequate intake of fluids or cold liquids to help ease nausea
  • Give them light and bland food (plain bread or a cracker) with a soft texture
  • Avoid greasy, fried, sugary, or fatty foods
  • Take rest after each meal
  • People also use roasted/ grounded cumin seeds. You may simply ask your child to chew them or boil them in water and make them drink it.

protip_icon Quick tip
Reducing solid intake, frequently sipping on small amounts of electrolyte solution, and consuming clear fluids, such as sugar water, can help relieve vomiting and prevent dehydration in children (22).

If you suspect nausea to be a side effect of medication, then consult a doctor before stopping the use of the medicine. It is also advisable to take a medical opinion before trying any home remedies to ensure their safety and appropriateness in children.

How To Prevent Nausea In Children?

You may encourage your child to follow these preventive measures (5).

  • Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of a few bigger meals. Teach your child to eat slowly and chew their food properly.
  • You may include high-fiber foods (whole grains and fruits with their skin) that are good for the digestive system and can also help prevent constipation.
  • Avoid any physical activity after a meal. Also, avoid brushing or cleaning the tongue immediately after the meal since it might induce nausea.
  • In the case of motion sickness, you may make your child sit in the car facing the windshield. You can also avoid routes that induce motion sickness. Make them smell a lemon or chew some citrus food to get some relief.

What Causes Nausea In Children?

Nausea in children can be triggered by a range of medical conditions, dietary issues, and emotional factors. The following are the most common reasons for nausea among children and teens.

  1. Food poisoning: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can enter the gastrointestinal tract through contaminated food and water. These infectious agents release toxins, which can cause food poisoning. A few examples of pathogens are salmonella, shigella, E. coli, and noroviruses. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever (6). According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne diseases affect many individuals in the United States annually. It is estimated that approximately one in six Americans, equivalent to 48 million people, fall ill due to these diseases.
  1. Gastroenteritis: It is an inflammation of the intestinal lining caused by pathogens. Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) in children is a common type of gastroenteritis caused by noroviruses. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills (7).
  1. Constipation: Constipation could sometimes cause nausea. For instance, a genetic ailment called hirschsprung disease causes chronic constipation due to the inability of the intestines to pass stool. A collateral effect of constipation is the development of nausea (8).
  1. Indigestion (overeating): Eating too much or too quickly might lead to indigestion in children. It can cause upset stomach, stomach discomfort, nausea (with or without vomiting), burping, heartburn, or bloating (9).
  1. Stress: Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, or mental stress) can cause functional nausea (when no underlying condition has been identified) among children and adolescents. Other symptoms may include functional abdominal pain, pale skin (pallor), or fatigue (2).
  1. Reaction to certain foods, smells, or situations: Certain foods or strong smells can cause nausea or vomiting. Moreover, intolerance to certain food items such as dairy-based products (lactose intolerance) can cause nausea, bloating, or abdominal pain in children. Motion sickness also leads to nausea.
  1. Exposure to chemicals or toxins: Toxic substances or products that are used in day-to-day life, such as fuel oil, alcohol, certain cosmetics, pesticides, and house-cleaning products, can cause mild to serious toxicity in children. Researchers assessed data obtained from National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System and found that over two-fifths (42.1%, 308 of 731) of poisoning-related fatalities occurred among infants aged (10).
  1. Medications: Drug-induced nausea is one of the most common side effects of medicines. Nausea and vomiting may also be induced due to chemotherapyiA course of treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body, most often cancerous tissue or anestheticsiA drug that induces insensitivity to pain and is often used during surgery given before surgery (11).
  1. Peptic ulcers: These sores or open wounds occur in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. They are often caused by infection from Helicobacter pylori bacteria and are characterized by nausea, sudden sharp abdominal pain, burping, hiccups, loss of appetite, and weight loss (12).
  1. Kidney stones: Kidney stones are a hard solid mass of minerals and elements formed within the kidney. Some of the common symptoms of the condition are severe pain in the back or the sides, nausea, and vomiting (13).
  1. Gallbladder disease: This condition occurs due to blockage of the bile duct, often as a result of gallstones. Early signs can include abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially after eating a meal (14).
  1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition occurs when the contents of the stomach come back (acid reflux) and irritate the food pipe or esophagus. Common symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, bad breath, and vomiting (15).
  1. Urinary tract infection: Urinary tract infections are more common among females than males. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal, or back pain, fever and chills, and pain or burning during urination (16).
UTI may lead to nausea in children

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This chronic problem affects the large intestine or colon. In IBS, the colon appears normal but does not function properly, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nauseous feeling, abdominal cramping, bloating, and mucus in the stool (17).
  1. Viral hepatitis: Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water. Early symptoms could include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (18).
  1. Concussion: It is a mild traumatic injury to the brain because of a fall or a blow to the head. A few symptoms of concussion include headache, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and trouble walking (19).
  1. Migraine: Primary headache or migraine is under diagnosed in children and adolescents. Along with headaches, the symptoms of migraines may include nausea, sensitivity to light, fatigue, and loss of appetite (20).
  1. Appendicitis: It is a condition in which the appendix of the child gets blocked and infected. Though a strong and sharp pain is one of the most common symptoms of appendicitis, there are other symptoms accompanying the pain such as nausea, low-grade fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  1. Heat exhaustion: Also known as heat illness, this condition occurs when the child is out in the sun for a long time without the intake of adequate fluids, thus causing the body’s cooling system to break down. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive thirst, weakness, muscle cramps (heat cramps), nausea, headache, and profuse sweating. Dizziness in children is, however, one of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion.
protip_icon Be watchful
Accidental ingestion of cleaning agents or medicines may also lead to vomiting in children. Seek immediate medical attention if your child ingests, or you suspect your child has ingested these substances (23).

When To Call A Doctor?

Seek prompt medical help if your child experiences the following symptoms with nausea or vomiting (4) (5).

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Severe headache or stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Reduced alertness
  • Faster pulse or breathing
  • JaundiceiA medical condition arising from excessive bilirubin in the body that causes the yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Fever for more than a day
  • Symptoms of dehydration
Nausea in children is a symptom of dehydration

Image: Shutterstock

  • Low urine output
  • Blood in urine or stools or vomitus
protip_icon Point to consider
Fever of 102°F (39°C) or greater, frequent diarrhea, reduced urination, and vomiting lasting beyond a day or two or constantly worsening needs immediate medical attention (4).

Diagnosing The Cause Of Nausea In Children

Doctors do not specifically investigate nausea but the underlying condition or disease that led to nausea. The following steps and procedures are used for diagnosis (3).

  • Physical examination of the abdomen or torso
  • Examining the medical history of the child
  • Blood, stool, and urine tests to detect pathogens
  • CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of brain or abdomen depending on signs
  • Colonoscopy to detect abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum
  • Autonomic testing to observe the autonomic nervous system after brain trauma
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen
  • Upper GI endoscopy to look the insides of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine
  • X-rays to check gastrointestinal distress such as the presence of inflammation or intestinal blockage

Quiara Smith, MOT, an expert pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist from West Fargo, North Dakota, says, “The root cause (food allergies, GI issues, anxiety, etc.) of nausea and vomiting is the most important aspect to uncover for the long-term outlook in children, since this affects a child’s functioning across all environments and impacts tasks they need to participate in.”

Treatment Of Nausea In Children

Doctors may prescribe medicines that help treat nausea in children

Image: Shutterstock

Treatment options depend on the diagnosis of the condition. The doctor might use one or more of the following treatment options (5) (21).

  • Antimicrobials for the treatment of infectious diseases
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Antacids, H2 blockers, or proton-pump inhibitors for acid reflux
  • Dietary changes in the case of IBS or food intolerance
  • AntiemeticiA drug used to prevent or suppress vomiting and nausea medications for motion sickness
  • Medicines that control the flow of food through the stomach called prokinetics
  • Medications for controlling nausea and vomiting in children after chemotherapy
  • Behavioral therapy, antidepressants, or counseling sessions to relieve nausea due to distress

Smith adds, “After treatment, children continue to utilize coping strategies around nausea and vomiting prevention with the tools they have learned while participating in complementary and alternative medicine intervention.”

Parents are advised not to self-medicate children for nausea and vomiting but you may try some home remedies for mild and infrequent nausea.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is nausea without vomiting normal in children?

Yes, nausea may or may not be accompanied by vomiting in children. Depending on what caused it, nausea may occur with other symptoms, such as malaise and diarrhea (24).

2. Can I give children anti-nausea medicine?

Children may be given anti-nausea medicine only after consulting with a doctor to know the proper dosage and administration (25) (26).

3. What over-the-counter medicine is good for nausea in children?

Most over-the-counter medicines (OTC) generally do not require prescriptions. However, OTC anti-nausea medicines such as Dimenhydrinate must be administered only after ensuring their safety and efficacy to avoid cross-interaction with any other medication the child may be taking (27).

Nausea is a frequent complaint among children that usually goes away without treatment. However, in some cases, it could be caused by a serious underlying illness, such as food poisoning, peptic ulcers, or other conditions that require urgent diagnosis and treatment. So, if your child is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, along with symptoms including jaundice, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and stiff neck, see a doctor right away. Taking the necessary measures and maintaining a healthy diet might also help prevent nausea.

Infographic: Motion Sickness-Induced Nausea In Children

Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling and more so during a fun trip. If your child is one of them, you may want to know more about it and how to make them comfortable through it with the help of this infographic.

motion sickness-induced nausea in children (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Nausea in children is caused by various conditions and has associated symptoms.
  • Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and sore throat.
  • Home remedies include adequate fluid intake, light, and bland foods, avoiding certain foods, rest, and roasted cumin seeds.
  • Encourage slower and smaller meals, high-fiber foods, limit physical activity, and face windscreen if motion sickness arises.
  • Common causes are food poisoning, indigestion, stress, constipation, and medication side effects.

Illustration: Causes Of Nausea In Children Treatment And Home Remedies

Nausea In Children_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Is your child vomiting and showing symptoms similar to diarrhea? Worry not, check out this video where an expert shares how to help your child through this. Explore support methods during these challenging times in this video.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Kovacic K. and Di Lorenzo C., Functional nausea in children; Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (2016)
2. Russell A. C., Stone A. L., and Walker L. S., Functional Nausea in Children: A Review of the Literature and Need for Diagnostic Criteria: Children (Basel, Switzerland)
3. What is nausea and vomiting?; Children’s Wisconsin
4. Vomiting or nausea in children; Harvard Health Publishing
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Care and Treatment; Cleveland Clinic
6. Symptoms of Food Poisoning; CDC
7. Gastroenteritis; U.S. National Library of Medicine
8. Hirschsprung Disease; National Organization for Rare Disorders
9. Indigestion (Dyspepsia); American Academy of Family Physician
10. What You Know Can Help You – An Introduction to Toxic Substances; Department of Health, New York State
11. Maceira E., Lesar T. S., and Smith H. Medication related nausea and vomiting in palliative medicine; Ann Palliat Med
12. Peptic ulcer; U.S. National Library of Medicine
13. Kidney Stones in Children and Teens; American Academy of Pediatrics
14. Gallbladder disease, Wake Forest Baptist Health 
15. Symptoms and causes of GER and GERD; NIH NIDDK
16. Moreno M. A., Urinary Tract Infections in Children and Adolescents; JAMA Pediatrics (2016).
17. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children; Stanford Children’s Health
18. Viral Hepatitis; A.T. Still University/Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
19. Signs and Symptoms of Concussion; CDC
20. Kabbouche M.A., and Gilman, D.K., Management of migraine in adolescents; Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (2008)
21. Keller V. E., Management of nausea and vomiting in children; Journal of Pediatric Nursing
22. Treating Vomiting; American Academy of Pediatrics
23. Vomiting in children and babies; NHS
24. Nausea; Johns Hopkins Medicine
25. Treating Vomiting; Healthy Children
26. ONDANSETRON (ZOFRAN); Children’s Minnesota
27. Paul Enarson et al.(2011); Dimenhydrinate use for children with vomiting; NCBI

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Dr. Anuradha Bansal
Dr. Anuradha BansalMD
Dr. Anuradha Bansal is a highly accomplished pediatrician and neonatologist with 13 years of professional experience. Presently, she is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at PIMS Jalandhar. She has done her MBBS and MD Pediatrics at GMCH, Chandigarh.

Read full bio of Dr. Anuradha Bansal
  • Quiara C. Smith
    Quiara C. SmithMOT, OTR/L, CEIM Quiara C. Smith is an expert pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist (OT) and owner of a private boutique pediatric pelvic health practice in California and Hawaii. She has been a pediatric therapist for over 13 years, working in the NICU and other settings. Quiara did her masters in OT from Samuel Merritt University and is pursuing her doctorate at Elizabethtown College.
    Quiara C. Smith is an expert pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist (OT) and owner of a private boutique pediatric pelvic health practice in California and Hawaii. She has been a pediatric therapist for over 13 years, working in the NICU and other settings. Quiara did her masters in OT from Samuel Merritt University and is pursuing her doctorate at Elizabethtown College.
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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