When vomiting becomes an emergency: What parents need to know.
When a child suddenly starts vomiting repeatedly and refuses food, it is only natural for parents to feel alarmed. What may initially seem like a minor illness can quickly develop into severe dehydration, a condition that may escalate into a medical emergency if left untreated. To address such situations, Mayapada Hospital provides a 24-hour Paediatric Emergency service, including at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, where paediatric specialists are on-site around the clock to respond swiftly and accurately to a wide range of childhood emergencies.
According to dr. Citra Raditha, Sp.A (K), Paediatrician and Consultant in Paediatric Neurology at Mayapada Hospital, Jakarta Selatan, nausea and vomiting are among the most common emergency conditions in children. These may be caused by infection, food poisoning, medication side effects, or indicate other underlying illnesses such as ear infections, migraines, or disorders of the central nervous system.
“The risk of repeated vomiting is dehydration, as more fluids are lost than taken in. In cases of moderate dehydration, children begin to show symptoms such as a dry mouth and lips, infrequent urination with dark-coloured urine, sunken eyes, dry skin, and may appear thirsty, irritable, or unusually drowsy,” explained dr. Citra.
However, dehydration can progress more rapidly in children than in adults. “If it progresses to severe dehydration, the child may become extremely weak, difficult to wake, breathe rapidly and deeply, and not urinate for more than 6–8 hours in infants or 12 hours in older children. The child may also produce no tears when crying, have a sunken fontanelle, very dry and cold skin, and a rapid heartbeat,” she added.
She also advises parents to recognise the early signs of dehydration and respond promptly. “In cases of mild dehydration, parents can give the child fluids little by little and soft food if they are still able to eat. However, if the nausea and vomiting persist, take the child to the hospital immediately, as without proper treatment, dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or even shock,” she emphasised. When a child’s condition becomes concerning, parents can take them to the Paediatric Emergency at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, where paediatric specialists are present in the hospital 24 hours a day to provide immediate and appropriate care. Parents can access emergency services by contacting the call centre on 150990 or by using the Emergency Call Button via the MyCare application.
The Hospital Director of Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, dr. Fiktorius Kuludong, MM, stated, “We understand that paediatric emergencies can occur at any time. Therefore, we have our team of specialist and subspecialist doctors on standby 24 hours a day. Our outpatient clinic operates from 8.00 AM to 9.00 PM, and overnight from 8.00 PM to 8.00 AM, ensuring that your little one can receive prompt and appropriate care.”
Dr. Fiktor added, “Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan’s Paediatric Emergency Services are run in accordance with our Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Specifically for paediatric emergency services, the emergency room is designed with an animated theme to help children feel less anxious when coming to the hospital. Our entire medical team always prioritises a patient-centred approach, always ensuring patient safety and patient experience.”
The Paediatric Emergency service at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan forms part of the wider Paediatric Centre at Mayapada Hospital, a comprehensive children’s care facility supported by consultants and subspecialists. The centre manages a broad spectrum of paediatric conditions, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal and kidney problems, childhood cancers, congenital and acquired heart disease, infectious diseases, paediatric radiology, eye examinations, and surgical procedures.
Parents wishing to consult directly with a doctor regarding their child’s health can view doctors’ schedules and book appointments via the MyCare app or by contacting the call centre on 150770.
Further information about children’s health and service promotions at Mayapada Hospital is available through the Health Articles & Tips feature on MyCare. The app also includes a Personal Health feature, which integrates with Google Fit or Health Access to track daily step counts, calories burned, heart rate, and Body Mass Index (BMI).