Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture
Published on: August 4, 2023
Clinical update: vomiting in infants
Jennifer Whinney1, Siba Prosad Paul, David C A Candy
1University of Bristol.
Insights
Infant vomiting is common, but serious causes require prompt referral. Community practitioners should identify
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infant vomiting is a frequent clinical presentation.
- Most cases stem from non-serious etiologies.
- Serious underlying conditions necessitate timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the role of community practitioners in assessing infant vomiting.
- To highlight critical 'red flag' symptoms indicating serious pathology.
- To emphasize the importance of early referral for surgical causes.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical guidelines and literature.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria for serious infant vomiting.
- Emphasis on practitioner assessment for 'red flag' signs.
Main Results:
- Bilious vomiting is a key indicator of potential surgical emergencies.
- Prompt assessment by pediatric/surgical teams is crucial for bilious vomiting.
- Community practitioners play a vital role in initial evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition and referral of serious infant vomiting are essential.
- Practitioners must be vigilant for 'red flag' symptoms.
- Timely intervention improves outcomes for infants with serious vomiting causes.
Abstract:
Vomiting is very common in infants and is mostly caused by non-serious conditions. However, community practitioners may come across infants with serious causes of vomiting, requiring prompt referral. Bilious vomiting should always raise suspicion of a surgical cause and needs urgent assessment by the paediatric/surgical team. The role of community practitioners in the assessment of vomiting infants for 'red flag' symptoms and early interventions are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Vomiting
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Pyloric Obstruction
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

