Most stomach pain in children is NOT serious and resolves on its own! Pet dard is one of the most common complaints in childhood, and in most cases, it's caused by gas, constipation, or minor infections. However, knowing when stomach pain is serious vs normal is important. This guide helps you understand causes, try home remedies, and know when to seek help.
What Causes Stomach Pain in Children? (Pet Dard Kyun Hota Hai)
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Most Common Causes (Usually NOT Serious)
Cause
Why It Happens
Signs
Gas/Bloating
Swallowing air, certain foods
Distended tummy, passing gas, relief after burping/farting
Constipation
Low fiber, dehydration
Hard stools, pain before bowel movement, relief after potty
Fiber: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains daily
Hydration: Adequate water intake
Balanced meals: Don't skip meals, don't overeat
Slow eating: Chew properly
No lying down after meals: Wait at least 30 minutes
Hygiene
Hand washing: Before meals, after toilet
Clean food: Properly washed, cooked
Safe water: Boiled/filtered water
Deworming: Every 6 months (as per doctor)
Lifestyle
Regular exercise/activity
Routine bathroom times: Encourage regular potty
Manage stress: Talk about worries
Good sleep: Adequate rest (neend poori)
When Stomach Pain is Stress/Anxiety
Functional Abdominal Pain
Signs it might be stress-related:
Recurring pain, all tests normal
Worse before school/exams
Better on weekends/holidays
No weight loss or other symptoms
Child may be anxious type
How to help:
Take pain seriously (it's real to them!)
Identify stressors
Teach relaxation techniques
Maintain normal routine
Consider counseling if persistent
School communication
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Bachche ko roz subah pet dard hota hai, school ke pehle. Kya karun?
A: Morning stomach pain before school often indicates stress/anxiety or constipation. If child is fine on weekends, stress is likely cause - take it seriously, talk about worries, meet teachers. If daily, could be constipation - ensure good breakfast, fiber, bathroom time before school. See doctor to rule out physical causes if persistent. Both are manageable!
Q: Bachche ko khana khane ke baad pet mein dard hota hai. Allergy hai?
A: Pain after eating can be: indigestion (eating too fast, too much), food intolerance (not allergy - like lactose intolerance), constipation (triggered by eating), or sometimes food allergy (rare, usually has other symptoms like hives). Keep a food diary - note what was eaten and when pain occurs. See doctor if consistent pattern emerges. Try smaller, slower meals first.
Q: Chhoti si baat pe bachcha kehta hai pet dard hai. Bahana hai kya?
A: Children rarely fake stomach pain completely! Even "attention-seeking" pain is telling you something - maybe they're stressed, anxious, or need connection. Don't dismiss it as "bahana." Check for physical causes first. If tests normal, the pain may be real but stress-related (functional pain). Acknowledge their feelings while maintaining normal routine.
Q: Pet dard mein kya khilana chahiye?
A: For active stomach pain: bland, easy-to-digest foods - plain khichdi, banana, rice, toast, clear soups. Avoid: spicy, oily, heavy foods, dairy (temporarily). Small frequent meals better than large ones. If diarrhea: add ORS, continue feeding. Once better: gradually return to normal diet. Hydration is key - water, ORS, clear fluids.
Q: Bachche ke pet mein keede hain - kaise pata chalega?
A: Signs of worms: recurring tummy pain, itchy bottom (especially at night), disturbed sleep (raat ko jagta hai), visible worms in stool or around bottom, decreased appetite, weight loss. Common in India! See doctor for confirmation and proper deworming medicine (Albendazole). After treatment, deworm whole family. Prevention: hand hygiene, clean food/water, cut nails short.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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