Use of Coca-Cola drinks in gastric pathology in pediatric patients

Facing us the relatively frequent tendency of many people – medical professionals or not – to administer Coca-Colatype carbonated beverages in the case of nausea-type gastric symptoms or vomiting in pediatric or adult patients, we have tried to investigate whether there is a scientific basis for this practice. The phosphoric acid present in this beverage is found in over the counter products (OTC), recommended in the case of nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, the medical literature cites studies in which this type of beverage has been used in the treatment of gastric or intestinal bezoars, fecalomas or even in some cases of gastric reflux or gastroparesis. One of the studies analyzed reveals the antibacterial effect of this type of beverage, on bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O:157 H:7, Salmonella enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica. We expect more studies to be carried out on the anti-emetic and antimicrobial therapeutic efficacy of this drink and to balance the positive versus negative effects in its use in children.