Question
A 13-month-old boy started playing after breastfeeding and then began to vomit, which happened several times consecutively, but without any fever. What could be the possible causes?
Answer
Infant vomiting refers to the condition where breastmilk or formula milk is regurgitated from the stomach through the mouth. Common causes include overeating, stomach heat, stomach cold, liver qi attacking the stomach, and fright-induced qi reversal. At this age, the infant’s stomach structure is not fully matured, lying horizontally and unstable, with a relaxed stomach entrance. In adults, the stomach entrance can effectively contract to prevent food from refluxing, but in infants, the stomach entrance has not yet been able to contract effectively, leading to easy reflux of food and vomiting. This situation may be caused by gastrointestinal discomfort. It is recommended that parents closely monitor the baby’s condition and seek professional medical assistance when necessary.