Abdominal pain is common in children, but it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. Frequently, children with abdominal pain may not require specific therapy, and the pain will heal itself with home remedies and rest.
Let’s find out more about how children often have stomach pain.
What is Pediatric Stomach Pain?
The term “stomach ache” refers to discomfort in the lower abdomen or stomach. A child’s groin may be affected by the pain radiating from the chest to the groin area. In children, stomach pain is joint, and an alarm does not cause most cases. In some cases, stomach pain can be severe.
Cause of Stomach Pains in Children
- Anxiety or stress-related pains
- Digestive issues such as malrotation and obstructions
- Constipation due to low fiber intake
- Lead poisoning
- Milk protein allergy
- Stomach injury
- Throat infection due to strep throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Menstruation in older girls
- Inflamed appendix causing appendicitis (requires immediate medical attention)
Symptom
A parent can usually detect abdominal pain in a child.
- Crying, uncomfortable facial expressions, and curling up are common in infants and young toddlers.
- In most cases, young toddlers will immediately tell you if something is awry.
- Some teens may be unwilling to admit pain, so seek a detailed explanation.
Long-lasting stomach aches should be checked by a doctor.
How long does the pain last?
- Most causes of abdominal pain are temporary.
- Gas pains and stomach/gut flu can typically last for 24 hours.
- Doctors should be consulted if stomach pain persists for more than 24 hours.
What Is the Exact Location of the Ache?
- The abdominal-peritoneal region is the most common site of minor abdominal discomfort.
- Infants and toddlers may rub their tummies to indicate discomfort in that area.
- Discomfort that extends to other parts of the body, such as pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, can indicate appendicitis unless proven otherwise.
Diagnosis
- Medical examination by a doctor to determine the source of pain
- Family medical history inquiry
- Urine test to detect infection
- Stool test to rule out bacteria, parasites, or blood presence
- Blood test to assess lead, lipase levels, and liver function
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans to visualize abdominal organs and tissues
- Additional tests like pelvic exams and anal manometry may be necessary based on symptoms
Treatment
- Treatment options for a child’s abdominal pain include getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.
- Serve small, frequent meals to prevent hunger and don’t force your child to eat anything.
- Over-the-counter medications can help, but always consult a doctor before giving them to your child.
- Only give doctor-prescribed drugs and consider your child’s welfare when making decisions.
- Warm water or hot water bags can also provide relief, but consult a doctor before giving prescription drugs.
- If your child has severe stomach pain, seek medical attention.
- Encourage healthy eating habits to prevent stomach aches.
Some Home Remedies For Child’ Stomach Aches
Your child’s stomach pain can be eased in several ways at home, including-
- Yogurt – There are antibiotic-resistant bacteria in yogurt that can help soothe stomach pains caused by bacterial infections.
- Warm Water Compression Therapy – To alleviate your child’s discomfort, try applying compressions to the child’s stomach. By increasing blood flow, pain can be eased more effectively.
- Chamomile tea – A cup of chamomile tea can help ease stomach cramps because of its muscle-calming and sedative properties.
- Ginger – Overeating pain can be relieved with ginger. Ginger should not be given to infants or toddlers under two.
- Honey – Honey’s antibacterial properties aid digestion. It is not recommended for children under the age of one.
- Mint and Lemon – Constipation is eased by lemon, while the mint combats bacteria. If you have stomach cramps, try drinking a cup of lemon-mint tea.
- Open-Air Activities – Outdoor activities can help ease your child’s discomfort from diarrhea and other digestive issues. Walking, running, and cycling are excellent ways to get your child’s digestive system working.
How to Prevent Kids’ Stomach Pains
To prevent stomach aches in children caused by indigestion, infection, or constipation, take these steps:
- Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation and indigestion.
- Avoid feeding near bedtime to prevent indigestion.
- Don’t let your child overeat; stick to small, frequent meals.
- Start with small amounts of bland food like crackers or rice.
- Teach your child to wash their hands before and after meals to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and prevent constipation.
When Children With Abdominal Pain Need Medical Attention?
You should immediately seek medical attention if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- a painful rash on the skin
- become pale, sweaty, and sick
- difficulty passing urine or less than four wet diapers per day.
- faeces or vomit containing blood
- Fever, shivers
- Refused to eat or drink anything
- severe, worsening, or shifting pain
- vomited for 24 hours
- any other issue that is bothering you at the moment.
Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP)
- RAP stands for Recurrent Abdominal Pain and helps in diagnosis.
- RAP is diagnosed when a child has at least three pain episodes in three months that affect their daily routine.
- RAP is not a disease, but frequent stomach pain may indicate an underlying problem.
- The pain in some children may be psychosomatic and related to their mental health or emotions.
- Consult a physician if your child has frequent abdominal pain.
Multiple factors can lead to stomach aches in children. If your stomach pain is persistent, does not subside with home remedies, or is accompanied by any concerning symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
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