Persistent vomiting in infancy is usually attributable to one of two general causes, viz.: 1. Inability of the stomach to digest the food. 2. Malformation of, or partial obstruction in the esophagus or stomach.
In the first-named condition there is obtainable in practically every case, a history of incorrect feeding. The most common errors are:
1. Improper food.
a. High fat.
b. High sugar.
c. Solid food at a too early period.
2. Too frequent feeding.
3. Too much food.
Vomiting is usually not the only symptom in these cases of gastric indigestion. Intestinal disturbances, as shown by presence of constipation or diarrhea, follow. The appetite is usually poor, but the reverse may be true. The vomiting may occur at any time after feeding and is frequently accompanied by repeated regurgitations of small amounts of food and eructations. The vomitus is usually sour and contains an excessive amount of mucus.