Vomiting and Regurgitation

Vomiting and regurgitation are commonly encountered in pediatrics and may manifest underlying problems within a wide array of body systems. Although acute vomiting in children is generally of a benign and self-resolving infectious nature, medical practitioners need to carefully consider specific signs and symptoms that may herald serious emergencies and surgical conditions. This chapter aims to outline the pathways that trigger the emetic reflex; differentiate acute, chronic, and cyclic patterns of vomiting; form a broad differential based on the temporal pattern and associated signs and symptoms; identify red flags that require urgent evaluation; determine diagnostic work-up; and formulate a therapy plan tailored to the underlying cause.