Symptom 3: Nausea
There’s no mistaking nausea. It’s that unsettling feeling in the pit of the stomach, a sensation that feels like it’s rising, threatening to spill over at any moment. Children, when hit with this wave of nausea, often have a distinct look of distress. They might hold their stomachs, look pale, or repeatedly swallow, trying to push back the feeling.
Nausea, in the context of indigestion, often signifies that the stomach isn’t quite happy with its contents. This could be because the food is taking too long to break down or perhaps the stomach has identified something it deems “offensive” and is preparing to eject it. The causative factors can be diverse, ranging from the type of food consumed (oily, spicy, or unfamiliar foods) to the speed of consumption.
What makes nausea particularly bothersome is the cascading effect it can have. A child experiencing nausea might subsequently avoid eating, fearing a recurrence. This aversion to food can lead to reduced calorie intake, impacting their overall health and energy levels.
Dealing with nausea requires a two-pronged approach. First, it’s about providing immediate relief. This could be by ensuring the child is seated comfortably, offering sips of water, or, in some cases, providing a bowl or bag in case they need to vomit. The second approach involves prevention. This means observing patterns, noting down foods or habits that precede a nausea episode, and then making dietary or lifestyle changes to prevent its recurrence.(3)
