2. Excessive Vomiting: The Undeniable Mayday Signal
Another prominent symptom of SBS is excessive vomiting. While spitting up is common among babies, vomiting associated with SBS is often of a much higher intensity. It goes beyond the occasional spit-up post feeding, plunging the infant into episodes of severe discomfort.
A telltale sign that differentiates normal spit-ups from SBS-induced vomiting is its frequency and force. The child may be seen to vomit repetitively, often forcefully, to an extent that it interferes with their normal routine, including feeding and sleeping.
Moreover, this vomiting isn’t linked to feeding times or any obvious gastrointestinal discomfort. The episodes may strike unexpectedly, leaving the infant and the caregiver baffled and distressed. The disconnect between the vomiting and any discernible cause is a key factor that hints at the possibility of SBS.
The persistent vomiting also affects the child’s health beyond the immediate discomfort. As the infant is unable to retain their feed, it could lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration – issues that further complicate the child’s wellbeing.
Behind these troubling episodes of vomiting lies the insidious impact of SBS, an affliction that silently wreaks havoc on the child’s health. The severity of the vomiting mirrors the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgency to understand this symptom in the context of SBS. (2)
