My new born is spitting up a lot. Is that normal? What should I do?
I have transitioned my 13 month old daughter to cow’s milk this past month. Since the transition I have noticed a change in her stool consistency and color. When should a parent be alarmed by the color and/or consistency of their child’s stool and seek medical attention?
Changes in stool frequency, color and consistency can be normal when transitioning to cow’s milk. Toddlers sometimes become temporarily constipated. However, by increasing fiber and water intake, this problem can be resolved. Occasionally, the opposite will occur, and children can have more frequent loose stools and increased gas. This, with time, will also be resolved. Parents should be alarmed and seek medical attention if there is watery diarrhea accompanied by severe abdominal cramping and vomiting, or if there is mucus and blood in the stool when milk is introduced.
I want to know more about “CVS” cyclic vomiting syndrome! This disease can involve vomiting and sometimes sever amounts of stomach pains..the vomiting can last for minutes, hours, days and weeks. What causes it and how does it go away?
It is uncertain what causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. There is no cure for it. The attacks of vomiting are usually treated in a hospital setting. Intravenous fluids are given, as well as medications to try to help stop the episode. Sometimes medications are tried to prevent attacks, as well as avoiding certain foods, such as chocolate and caffeine, which may be triggers.
There is a condition which consists of unexplained vomiting epsiodes which may or may not include pain. This condition can start as early as infancy, remain throught childhood and even through adulthood. Often times, this is misdiagnosed but is called Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. It is worth a mention, as many children suffer from this and suffer long periods of time before anyone gives them a diagnosis. It is a manageable condition with proper medication. Would you be willing to bring awareness?
There are a few organizations working with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Following are two such organizations:

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association (www.cvasonline.org)
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (www.iffgd.org)

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