What Causes Nausea in Kids? Common Triggers and How to Manage Them

Nothing stops a parent in their tracks like hearing their child say, “I feel sick.” As parents, the first thing we want to do is to help them feel better quickly. When your child is nauseous, it’s not always necessary to rush off to the doctor right away. It’s important to try and determine what may be causing it, so you can treat it quickly. 

What Causes Nausea in Kids?

There are plenty of reasons your child might be feeling nauseous, but your child may not always be able to tell you why. To figure it out, first consider their symptoms and recent activities. Once you have a better idea of why they might be feeling ill, it will be easier to decide how to treat them.

Food

There are a few ways that food can cause nausea. Sometimes kids eat too much and feel ill just from overfilling their small tummies. Other times they might have an upset stomach from food disagreeing with them because it’s too greasy or spicy. Nausea that recurs with certain foods could indicate a sensitivity or intolerance to lactose or gluten. If they have more severe symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or a fever, you may want to consider food poisoning as a cause.

Medication side effects

Some medicines, like antibiotics, can cause nausea and are often recommended to be taken with food to help prevent stomach upset. If your child is taking medication of any kind, especially if they recently started on a new medication, be sure to check with your doctor about potential side effects and what steps you can take for relief.

Motion sickness

Whether it’s on a boat, in a car, or on their favorite ride at the amusement park, motion sickness can cause dizziness and nausea at any age. Did you know playing video games (and even watching them) as well as using virtual reality headsets can cause motion sickness too?

While motion sickness is fairly common, it can also mean that nausea may be an ongoing issue during certain activities. So, talk to your doctor about safe kids nausea medication or motion sickness remedies to use.

Stress

Even kids can experience the worry that comes with stress and anxiety. This may create physical symptoms like headaches or nausea whether they struggle with school, a specific phobia, or an anxiety disorder.

Illness

Immune systems develop in the first few years of life, so children in daycare often share common viruses. School-age children may catch illnesses like the flu and COVID. Many of these illnesses can cause nausea in kids. But if your child’s symptoms seem to be severe or long-term, you may want to visit your doctor.

How to Treat Your Child’s Nausea

If you’re wondering what medicine helps with nausea, the answer may vary based on your child’s age and what is causing it. Different problems might call for different solutions, but there are a few common methods you can try to relieve your child’s queasiness.

• Give plenty of clear liquids like water, popsicles, or electrolyte drinks. Start with small sips; this is especially helpful if nausea is followed by vomiting.
• Avoid solid foods or provide bland foods like toast, rice, and crackers.
• Allow time to rest. A calm environment can help your child relax and recover.
• Talk to your doctor. They may recommend over-the-counter remedies or request that your child visit their office for an exam if the problem persists. 

When it comes to kids’ nausea medications and over-the-counter remedies, you may also need to consider if your child will tolerate the taste. We have good news for you—the makers of Dramamine created Advanced Herbals® Kids Gummies, a dietary supplement that can be used to help relieve nausea from motion sickness. 

They’re made with ginger extract and natural strawberry flavor and offer non-drowsy, non-medicated nausea relief. Plus, they are free of gluten and dairy. 

When to Ask Your Doctor for Help

No one likes to see their child feeling sick, but remember, it is very common for kids to experience nausea. With any luck, your child should be feeling better within a few days, but contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or last for more than a week and you’re unable to determine why. In the meantime, be sure to keep them hydrated and hopefully they’ll be back to bouncing around in no time.