The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Is your child an infant, and is your infant throwing up small amounts of formula after a feeding?

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Possible Diagnosis

This is probably “SPITTING UP,” a common occurrence for infants on formula. Less common is a LACTOSE INTOLERANCE or MILK ALLERGY.

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Is your infant under 10 weeks, and does your infant forcefully vomit large amounts of formula or fluid or appear to be dehydrated? Can you feel a hard mass that feels like an olive that still has a pit in the upper abdomen?

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Possible Diagnosis

This type of vomiting may be from a blockage at the end of the stomach called PYLORIC STENOSIS.

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Is your infant crying uncontrollably, possibly while pulling their knees to their chest, and does your infant have red-colored diarrhea (looks like currant jelly) and continue to vomit all liquids?

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Possible Diagnosis

Your child may have an OBSTRUCTION of the intestines called INTUSSUSCEPTION.

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Does your child (older than 1 year) have diarrhea along with nausea or vomiting?

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Possible Diagnosis

Vomiting and diarrhea may be from VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS.

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Does your infant have diarrhea along with nausea and vomiting?

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Possible Diagnosis

Vomiting and diarrhea may be from VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS.

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Has your infant (2 years and under) been vomiting continuously for 6-12 hours? Has your child (2 and above) been vomiting continuously for 12 to 24 hours?

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Possible Diagnosis

Your infant or child may be on the verge of DEHYDRATION.

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Self Care

Your baby may be gulping air or may have taken too much formula, or the formula may be upsetting your child’s stomach. Be sure to burp your baby frequently during feedings and you can also gently massage your baby’s belly if you feel that bloating or discomfort is also present. Discuss this with your child’s doctor at the next visit. Call your child’s doctor right away if the vomiting gets worse or your baby is not keeping any food down.

Self Care

PYLORIC STENOSIS can be serious and may require surgery.

Self Care

Call your child’s doctor right away.

Self Care

Children who have GASTROENTERITIS should be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration. Ease back into eating with bland foods and clear liquids.

See your child’s doctor if the vomiting and/or diarrhea continue or get worse. Watch carefully for fever and make sure your child is drinking fluids to avoid DEHYDRATION.

Self Care

Generally, infants should not be given any liquids other than breast milk or formula. Continue to offer these to your baby even if the baby is vomiting. If your baby is unable to tolerate any breast milk or formula over the course of a full day, or appears to be dehydrated (including making less than 4 wet diapers in a day), then see your doctor. If your infant also has a fever of greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, then see your doctor.

Self Care

Call your child’s doctor right away.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.