Encyclopedia of Children's Health

[nana]

My 3 yr old grandson was a premie and colicy for several months. Could not find anything he could tolerate; finally settled on soy, which stayed down somewhat. Now that he is older, he vomits at least once a day. Anything can stimulate that reaction - smells, thoughts, or "eating too much"- he doesn't eat as much as his 18 month old brother. He has always been extremely small for his age level and was hospitalized at one point for malnutrition. He will eat healthy foods, but just can't keep them down. We are at a loss as to what to do for him. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

[valeriemanzanares]

My son, now five years old, was born at 36 weeks. He threw up from the first time he nursed until now. His throwing up had resulted in malnutrition and anemia by age two and a half. He exclusively nursed and did not eat solid food until he was two years old. He has many behavioral problems stemming from his health problems such as frustration and agression (I suppose from not having his basic needs such as hunger met.). His health has slowly improved over the last two years. He throws up much less than he used to though his diet is limited to cheese, sometimes rice or plain pasta, bananas, veggie burgers, and soy milk. He is now over the 100th percentile for his height and in the 50th for his weight.
From my experience, I think that your grandson may benefit from a vegetarian diet. Certain foods are easily thrown up, especially greasy foods. Meat takes much longer to digest than vegggie based products. If food sits inside the child's stomach too long, he may be more likely to throw it up. My son has also benefited from breathing excersises. When I see that he is about to vomit, we breathe deep breaths together and I encourage him to swallow. You may even gently run your finger along the outside of his throat. I read that this stimulates swallowing. I have also tried spraying his face with water from a spray bottle when he put on, what we call, his throw up face. I have also taken my son to a psychologist who talked to him about healthy foods and tried to make a break in his learned behavioral patterns (such as throwing up, receiving attention, etc...) I hope this information helps. Good luck with your grandson!