Description
In this episode, Dr. Nelson Spinetti, pediatric gastroenterologist, explains what Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is and why it is often confused with "stomach flu," reflux, or anxiety. We walk through the typical pattern of CVS episodes, what happens between attacks, common triggers, and the impact on school, sleep, and family life.

I also review how we approach diagnosis, which tests are usually needed (and which are not), and the main pillars of treatment: avoiding triggers, medications to stop or shorten episodes, and long-term strategies to protect nutrition and quality of life.

This episode is designed for parents, caregivers, pediatricians, and school nurses who see children with repeated vomiting episodes and want a clearer roadmap to help them get the right evaluation and support.

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The information shared here is general and may not apply to your child's specific situation. Always talk with your child's pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist before starting, changing, or stopping any evaluation, medication, or treatment plan.

If your child is having severe or persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, intense abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or any other emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call your local emergency number.

Childhood migraine doesn't always start with head pain. In many kids, it begins in the belly.

The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide, replace, or substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listening to this episode does not create a doctor–patient relationship with Dr. Nelson Spinetti or the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic of South Texas.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you heard on this podcast. Always speak with your child's pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist, or pediatric neurologist regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment decisions. If you believe your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

In this episode of Gut Whisperers, Dr. Nelson Spinetti, pediatric gastroenterologist in South Texas, breaks down how migraine really looks in children—not only as pounding headaches, but also as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and motion sensitivity that come in episodes and then completely disappear between attacks.

We'll explore:

• How childhood migraine and abdominal migraine present at different ages

• Why some kids have severe belly pain, nausea, and vomiting with only mild or late-onset headache

• Common triggers: sleep disruption, stress, skipped meals, dehydration, screens, and sensory overload

• Practical tools for families: headache/abdominal pain diaries, school plans, and lifestyle adjustments

• When it's time to consider medications, preventive strategies, or specialist referral

If your child has repeat "stomach flu" episodes, ER visits for vomiting, or mysterious belly pain that ends after a deep sleep, this episode will help you recognize a possible migraine pattern and know what questions to ask your pediatrician.

"The information in today's episode is based on current pediatric migraine research and expert guidelines, including:

• The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), which defines diagnostic criteria for migraine in children and adolescents.
• Clinical reviews and practice parameters from the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology, which summarize evidence for acute and preventive treatments—such as NSAIDs, triptans, topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline, and newer CGRP-targeted therapies—in pediatric populations.
• Studies on pediatric migraine prevalence and disability, including research using the PedMIDAS tool to measure school and functional impact.
• Data on lifestyle and behavioral interventions—sleep regularity, hydration, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques—as effective components of a comprehensive migraine plan.

As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical care. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment should be made with your child's healthcare team, based on their specific history and needs."

Can probiotics really help manage food allergies? In this episode of The Gut Whisperers Podcast, Dr. Nelson Spinetti explores how probiotics influence the gut-immune connection and why certain strains — like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis — may reduce allergic inflammation and promote tolerance.

Through science, clinical insight, and real-life stories like Sofia's, you'll discover how balancing the gut microbiome can support immune health, calm allergic responses, and bring hope to families navigating food allergies.

Whether you're a parent, provider, or simply curious about the future of allergy care, this episode offers practical guidance and a deeper understanding of healing from the inside out.