Beware of projectile vomiting: babies vomit and spit a lot

There are no parents who do not want their babies to grow up healthy by giving intake such as breast milk or formula milk. But what happens if the process of breastfeeding does not go smoothly because babies often vomit projectiles?

It is true, the baby's digestive system is not fully developed. That is why they often re-express breast milk or formula after breastfeeding. However, there is something to be aware of, namely when a baby experiences projectile vomiting.

Unlike reflux (spit up) when the baby gives out a little milk after breastfeeding, projectile vomiting has different characteristics.

Learn more about what causes it.

5 Characteristic of projectile vomiting

Just like vomiting in most people, projectile vomiting can be identified by the way the baby secretes fluid. The baby will vomit quickly, instantaneously, and the fluid is flung far away, and there is usually quite a lot of vomiting.

If babies are just spit up, they can resume normal activities. Simply holding the burping position then they will feel comfortable again.

But projectile vomiting has different characteristics:

liquid milk comes out strongly, not slowly from the mouth or easy flow
no signs before vomiting
can occur after breastfeeding or a few hours later
occur continuously as if the baby refused fluid intake
defecation and urination are very rare

So, when children often experience vomiting, watch for symptoms. Immediately consult a doctor if the child continues to refuse fluid intake.

The thing that is most worried about is the baby is dehydrated from this projectile vomiting.

4 causes of projectile vomiting

Before taking action, it's important to know why projectile vomiting occurs. Moreover, if you have buried the baby by holding the upright position, but vomiting still occurs.

Projectile vomiting in infants occurs due to several things, including:

Pyloric stenosis

Projectile vomiting in infants is almost always caused by pyloric stenosis. This is a condition when the pylorus or channel between the stomach and the baby's small intestine narrows.

As a result, the baby is difficult to digest nutrients and fluids that enter the body. Furthermore, the condition of pyloric stenosis will close the food pathway from the stomach to the small intestine.

GERD (Gastroesophaeal Reflux Disease)

Gastroesophaeal Reflux Disease can not only occur in adults. Babies can experience it. In severe situations, the food that enters it actually returns to the esophagus or esophagus.

In addition, other signs of GERD in infants are vomiting yellow or green liquid, difficulty breathing, to refuse breastfeeding or eating.

Allergy

Allergic response in infants is not merely in the form of skin redness, itching, or the appearance of rashes. Projectile vomiting can also be a baby's response when allergic to certain types of food.

Consult your doctor for this possibility. For babies who are breastfeeding directly, check what the mother consumes before breastfeeding to help detect allergies.

Oversupply breast milk or formula milk

Another condition that can cause projectile vomiting is oversupply of breast milk. When this happens, the baby must swallow quickly. As a result, the stomach will excess air and potentially make vomiting.

For babies who drink formula milk, the entry of air into the stomach can occur when they drink milk from a pacifier bottle that is too large for their age.

Do not underestimate when the baby vomits vigorously and secretes other than milk. For example, green, yellow, bloody, or containing material shaped like coffee grounds.

If projectile vomiting makes your baby more uncomfortable such as weakness, lack of fluids, reluctance to suckle, and crying in pain, take immediate action.

Usually, the problem of pyloric stenosis in infants can be overcome by means of a small operation. This minimally invasive surgery can help the baby receive good nutrition.