Cyclic vomiting syndrome is when a person has strong bouts of nausea and vomiting. These can last for hours or even days, followed by periods of no symptoms. Doctors don't know the exact cause of cyclic vomiting, but think it may be related to migraine headaches. By learning to recognize what triggers cyclic vomiting, you might be able to break the cycle and help your child feel better.

• When a vomiting episode begins: 
  • Give your child any medicines that the health care provider prescribed.
  • Have your child rest in a dark, quiet room.
• Keep a diary of your child's episodes. This can help you figure out triggers.
• Help your child avoid common triggers, such as certain foods and additives (chocolate, cheese, monosodium glutamate or MSG, etc.), overexcitement, stress, physical exhaustion, or extreme heat.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep, stays hydrated, has a regular meal schedule, and gets regular exercise (without overdoing it).
• When vomiting stops, encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.

• The vomiting doesn't stop or it gets worse.
• Your child is losing weight due to vomiting.
• Your child has a very bad headache that isn't getting better with the treatment your health care provider recommended.

• The vomit is greenish-yellow, contains blood, or looks like coffee grounds.
• Your child can't keep down clear fluids and appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often or with darker than usual pee.
• Your child has severe belly pain.
• Your child is very tired or hard to wake up.
• Your child seems unsteady when walking.

What are the triggers of cyclic vomiting? Common triggers of cyclic vomiting include colds and other infections, stress or excitement, lack of sleep, hot weather, physical exhaustion, certain foods, and eating too much.

Do children with cyclic vomiting need to stay in the hospital? Yes, sometimes kids need to go to the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids because of dehydration. The health care provider may recommend daily preventive medicine for frequent or severe bouts of vomiting.