Projectile vomiting in babies is a common phenomenon, primarily related to their physiological structure and feeding methods. Infants have a horizontal stomach, and coupled with the incomplete development of the pylorus, this leads to a relatively loose entrance and a tightly closed exit, making spitting up more likely. The small gastric capacity and low muscle tone in infants further increase the possibility of reflux. Improper feeding, such as a baby crying before or after feeding or ingesting too much air, can also promote spitting up. Improvements include gently patting the baby’s back after feeding to assist with burping, having the baby sleep on their right side, and avoiding immediate diaper changes after feeding to reduce the risk of vomiting.
However, certain vomiting situations may indicate health problems and require timely medical attention. These situations include: vomit containing yellow-green, brown, or bloody substances, large amounts of vomit accompanied by a sour or abnormal odor; abnormal bowel movements, such as delayed, scant, or absent meconium, and the presence of bloody, watery, or jelly-like stools; decreased vitality, refusal to eat, difficulty swallowing, elevated temperature, abnormal swelling of the head, abdominal distension, or palpable masses; severe vomiting accompanied by weight loss, stunted growth, decreased subcutaneous fat, difficulty breathing, and cyanosis of the skin. Additionally, medications taken by the mother or baby may also trigger the vomiting phenomenon.
It is important to note that while mild vomiting is often considered normal, parents should remain vigilant for the aforementioned abnormal signs to avoid overlooking details that could affect the baby’s health. Proper identification and timely response are crucial to ensuring the healthy growth of the baby.
