First, please stay calm. The appropriate response will depend on the patient’s condition.

・What you can do at home

Wrap an ice pack in a towel or gauze and apply it to major blood vessels, such as those in the back of the neck, under the arms, and in the groin. Applying an ice pack directly to the skin can cause frostbite. Cooling sheets rely largely on evaporative cooling and menthol or other cooling agents, so ice packs are more effective.

・Symptoms Requiring Hospital Care

　Please seek medical attention immediately if you observe any of the following conditions:

　＞Unresponsive to calls or showing little reaction

　＞Seizures

　＞Abnormal breathing (e.g., breathing with the shoulders)

　＞Inability to retain fluids (including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea)

　While appointments are typically made online, if the condition appears to be urgent, please call us at 086-214-1177 to make an appointment or discuss your visit.

・If the clinic is closed or it is after hours, please call the [Children’s Medical Hotline (#8000)] to be connected to an on-call doctor or nurse.

　You may be startled by sudden vomiting, especially at night. While some vomiting is caused by infections and some is not, please take precautions when cleaning up vomit to prevent the risk of secondary infection.

・Check for any remaining vomit in the throat or nose

Lay your child on their side to keep their airway clear. At that time, please check to see if there is any vomit remaining in their throat or nose. Infants, in particular, cannot clear their throats on their own, so wipe the area thoroughly with paper towels or wet wipes. If the vomit cannot be completely removed (e.g., if the child’s breathing is abnormal or they appear to be in distress), place them face down with one hand, lower their head, and quickly tap between their shoulder blades (back slaps). If the condition does not improve, call an ambulance immediately.

・Avoid food and drink immediately after vomiting

Eating or drinking right away can irritate the stomach and cause further vomiting. Wait 30 minutes to 2 hours, then give them one spoonful of water or an oral rehydration solution (such as OS-1) at intervals of about 5 to 15 minutes.

・Precautions for cleaning up soiled items and vomit

　If the cause of the vomiting is unclear, prepare disposable gloves and a mask, and wear an apron to prevent secondary infection among family members.

　For soiled items (to be disposed of) and vomit, spray a 50–100 times diluted solution of chlorine-based bleach (such as Kitchen Hyter) over a wide area (note that alcohol-based disinfectant sprays may not be effective against infectious diseases like norovirus). Place items to be disposed of in a plastic bag and tie the opening tightly. For clothing contaminated with vomit, soak it in chlorine-based bleach or disinfect it with boiling water before washing it separately from other laundry.

・Seek medical attention immediately if:

　Vomiting is physically exhausting. If the patient remains lethargic, looks pale, or continues to experience severe headaches or abdominal pain even after the vomiting has subsided, or if you notice any abnormalities such as blood or greenish substances (other than food) in the vomit, please seek medical attention immediately.

　What kind of pain is it? A dull ache, a throbbing pain, or a cramping sensation? If the pain is severe, please seek medical attention without hesitation.

・Cases where you should seek immediate medical attention

＞The child is complaining of severe pain and is either thrashing about or listless

＞The child is vomiting repeatedly in a forceful, projectile manner

＞The child is having seizures or showing signs of confusion or loss of consciousness

＞The child has a high fever (do not hesitate, especially if accompanied by a headache and sudden onset of fever)

・If monitoring at home or in the waiting room:

　Keep the child quiet and resting in a dark, cool, and quiet place. To prevent accidents from vomiting while asleep, have them lie on their side. Although it’s an old-fashioned method, research has shown that rubbing the painful area can help alleviate pain by stimulating the nerves in that area (Gate Control Theory). Please comfort and care for your child with love.

・Do not use over-the-counter medications lightly

　Using over-the-counter medications based on your own judgment can irritate the stomach and intestines or even increase the pain. We recommend visiting a doctor to receive proper treatment and a prescription. If you have already taken any over-the-counter medication, please inform the doctor of this when you visit.

　If your child seems different from usual or exhibits any unusual symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

・Unable to eat or drink, and has not urinated for more than half a day

・Lethargic, not making eye contact, or not responding

・Poor complexion (flushed, ashen, or pale)

・Their chest sinks deeply with each breath, and they are breathing heavily using their shoulders

・Persistent severe vomiting or bloody diarrhea

・Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes, or foaming at the mouth

・Throwing a fit due to severe pain

・Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately. Even a moment’s delay could lead to irreversible consequences.