What causes stomach pain in children. How to identify different types of abdominal pain in kids. When should you worry about your child’s stomach ache. What home remedies can help relieve stomach pain in children. How to prevent and treat common causes of abdominal discomfort in kids.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Children

Stomach aches are a frequent complaint among children, often causing concern for parents. While many cases are harmless and resolve on their own, understanding the potential causes can help determine when medical attention is necessary.

The most common reasons for stomach pain in kids include:

• Indigestion
• Gastroenteritis (stomach bug)
• Constipation
• Stress or anxiety
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Functional abdominal pain
• Appendicitis (in acute cases)

Accompanying symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause but can include cramping, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, or vomiting. Identifying the location and nature of the pain can provide valuable clues for diagnosis and treatment.

Decoding Abdominal Pain: Location Matters

The location of stomach pain can offer insights into its potential cause. Dr. Megha S. Mehta, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Health and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern, emphasizes the importance of pinpointing where the pain occurs.

Pain Around the Belly Button

Stomach pain centered around or near the belly button is typically not a cause for alarm. It’s one of the most common complaints and often results from stress or dietary issues. To alleviate this type of pain, you can:

• Encourage rest
• Check if a bowel movement is needed
• Offer water
• Provide distraction through quiet activities

Lower Right Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right abdomen requires close attention, as it may indicate appendicitis, a serious medical emergency. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty passing gas
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in bowel movements

If you suspect appendicitis, contact your child’s pediatrician immediately to prevent complications such as a ruptured appendix.

Left-Sided Abdominal Pain

Pain on the left side of the abdomen can range from benign causes like constipation to more severe conditions such as pancreatitis. While it’s important not to panic, consulting with a pediatrician can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Upper Abdominal Pain

Discomfort in the upper abdomen often points to indigestion. Signs of indigestion may include:

• Pain in the middle of the upper belly
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Burping
• Heartburn

In some cases, pain in the upper right abdomen could indicate gallstones, though this is less common in children. Risk factors for pediatric gallstones include obesity, certain health conditions like sickle cell disease, and a family history of gallstone disease.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain in Children

Many cases of stomach pain in children resolve on their own with simple care at home. Effective strategies include:

• Rest
• Encouraging bowel movements
• Allowing time for gas to pass
• Recovery from viral gastroenteritis

To alleviate symptoms and promote comfort, consider these trusted home remedies:

1. Offer clear fluids to maintain hydration
2. Administer over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
3. Apply a heating pad to soothe cramps
4. Provide a bland diet of crackers and soups
5. Use stool softeners for constipation relief

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Pain

While most stomach aches in children are not serious, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. When should you be concerned about your child’s abdominal pain?

• Severe or persistent pain lasting more than 24 hours
• Pain accompanied by high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, sunken eyes)
• Bloody stools or persistent vomiting
• Abdominal swelling or tenderness
• Pain that awakens the child from sleep

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, consult your pediatrician promptly for proper evaluation and treatment.

Preventing Stomach Pain in Kids: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all stomach aches can be prevented, certain lifestyle and dietary habits can help reduce their frequency and severity. How can you minimize the risk of abdominal discomfort in children?

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
• Ensure adequate hydration throughout the day
• Promote regular physical activity
• Establish consistent meal and snack times
• Teach proper hand hygiene to prevent infections
• Address sources of stress or anxiety
• Limit consumption of known trigger foods

By implementing these strategies, you can help support your child’s digestive health and overall well-being.

Understanding Functional Abdominal Pain in Children

Functional abdominal pain is a common condition in children characterized by recurring stomach pain without an identifiable organic cause. How does functional abdominal pain differ from other types of stomach discomfort?

Key features of functional abdominal pain include:

• Chronic or recurrent pain lasting at least two months
• Pain that interferes with daily activities
• No evidence of underlying organic disease
• Often associated with stress or anxiety
• May improve with relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy

Management of functional abdominal pain typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical care with psychological support and lifestyle modifications.

The Role of Gut Health in Pediatric Abdominal Pain

Emerging research highlights the importance of gut health in overall well-being, including its impact on abdominal pain in children. How does the gut microbiome influence digestive comfort and function?

Key aspects of gut health and its relation to stomach pain include:

• Balanced gut microbiota supports proper digestion and immune function
• Dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria) may contribute to abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain a healthy gut environment
• Dietary choices influence the composition of gut microbiota
• Stress and anxiety can affect gut function and exacerbate abdominal pain

Promoting gut health through a balanced diet, stress management, and appropriate use of probiotics may help reduce the frequency and severity of stomach pain in children.

Navigating Food Sensitivities and Allergies in Pediatric Abdominal Pain

Food sensitivities and allergies can play a significant role in recurring stomach pain among children. How can you identify and manage food-related triggers of abdominal discomfort?

Steps to address food sensitivities and allergies include:

1. Keep a detailed food diary to track symptoms and potential triggers
2. Consult with a pediatric allergist or gastroenterologist for proper evaluation
3. Consider elimination diets under medical supervision to identify problem foods
4. Learn to read food labels and identify hidden allergens
5. Educate family members and caregivers about your child’s dietary restrictions
6. Explore nutritious alternatives to replace eliminated foods
7. Monitor growth and nutritional status when following restricted diets

By identifying and managing food sensitivities or allergies, you can help reduce the frequency of stomach pain and improve your child’s overall quality of life.

The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Pediatric Abdominal Pain

Psychological factors, particularly stress and anxiety, can significantly influence the occurrence and severity of stomach pain in children. How do emotional factors contribute to abdominal discomfort, and what strategies can help manage stress-related stomach aches?

Understanding the mind-gut connection:

• The brain and gut are closely connected through the enteric nervous system
• Stress and anxiety can trigger or exacerbate abdominal pain
• Children may experience “butterflies” or nausea in response to emotional stimuli
• Chronic stress can lead to persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
• Addressing underlying emotional factors can improve physical symptoms

Strategies to manage stress-related stomach pain:

1. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness
2. Encourage open communication about feelings and concerns
3. Establish consistent routines to provide a sense of stability
4. Promote regular physical activity and adequate sleep
5. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic anxiety or stress
6. Teach coping skills to manage stressful situations
7. Create a supportive home environment that prioritizes emotional well-being

By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of stomach pain, parents and healthcare providers can provide comprehensive care for children experiencing recurrent abdominal discomfort.

Diagnostic Approaches for Persistent Stomach Pain in Children

When stomach pain in children becomes a recurring issue or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause. What diagnostic approaches are commonly used to evaluate persistent abdominal pain in pediatric patients?

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Comprehensive medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for inflammation, infection, or other abnormalities
• Stool studies to detect parasites, bacteria, or signs of inflammation
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy for direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract
• Breath tests to diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Psychological evaluation to assess stress and anxiety levels

The choice of diagnostic tools depends on the presenting symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings. A step-wise approach is often employed, starting with less invasive tests and progressing to more specialized investigations as needed.

Emerging Treatments for Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children

As our understanding of pediatric abdominal pain evolves, new treatment modalities are emerging to address chronic and recurrent cases. What innovative approaches are being explored to manage persistent stomach pain in children?

Promising treatment options include:

1. Gut-directed hypnotherapy: A specialized form of hypnosis targeting gastrointestinal symptoms
2. Neurostimulation techniques: Non-invasive methods to modulate pain perception
3. Microbiome-based therapies: Targeting the gut microbiome to improve digestive health
4. Complementary and alternative medicine: Incorporating approaches like acupuncture or herbal remedies
5. Cognitive behavioral therapy: Addressing psychological factors contributing to pain perception
6. Biofeedback: Teaching children to control physiological processes related to pain
7. Novel pharmacological agents: Developing targeted medications with fewer side effects

While many of these treatments are still under investigation, they offer hope for children struggling with chronic abdominal pain that has not responded to conventional therapies. As research progresses, integrating these approaches into comprehensive care plans may provide better outcomes for pediatric patients with persistent stomach pain.

Long-term Management of Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children

For children experiencing recurrent or chronic stomach pain, developing a long-term management strategy is crucial. How can parents and healthcare providers work together to create an effective plan for ongoing care and symptom management?

Key components of long-term management include:

• Regular follow-up appointments with pediatric specialists
• Ongoing assessment of triggers and exacerbating factors
• Tailored dietary modifications based on individual needs
• Integration of stress management techniques into daily routines
• Monitoring for changes in symptoms or new developments
• Adjusting treatment plans as the child grows and develops
• Providing education and support for the child and family

Effective long-term management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving pediatricians, gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic abdominal pain, healthcare teams can help children and families navigate the challenges of persistent stomach discomfort and improve overall quality of life.

As research continues to advance our understanding of pediatric abdominal pain, new insights and treatment options will likely emerge, offering hope for improved outcomes and more targeted interventions for children suffering from recurrent stomach pain.

Stomach Pain in Kids – Children’s Health

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As many parents know, children and stomach aches seem to go hand in hand. Stomach pain in kids can be caused by a variety of common reasons such as eating too much, needing to go to the bathroom, or anxiety or worry about an upcoming event. However, if your child complains of stomach pain frequently, it can be difficult to know the best ways to help and when to call the doctor.

Megha S. Mehta, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern, explains when parents should worry about stomach pain and when a little rest and hydration is all your child may need.

What can cause stomach pain in a child?

The most common causes of stomach pain in children include:

• Indigestion
• Infection or stomach bug
• Constipation
• Stress or anxiety
• Irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain
• Appendicitis (causes acute or sudden pain)

Additional stomach pain symptoms can vary based on what’s causing your child’s stomach to hurt, but may include cramping, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or vomiting. One of the most important symptoms to note is where your child is feeling pain in their stomach.

“One of the first questions we ask children is where their stomach hurts,” explains Dr. Mehta. “Location of the pain can help physicians determine what is causing the pain, in addition to other characteristics such as severity of pain, when it occurs, what makes it better or worse and accompanying symptoms.”

Stomach pain around the belly button

Stomach pain around or near a child’s belly button is usually nothing to worry about. It’s one of the most common stomach pain complaints among kids.

“Children often rub their bellies when they hurt and complain about general pain around the belly button,” says Dr. Mehta. “This type of stomach pain is typically caused by stress or eating something that didn’t quite agree with them.”

If your child is complaining about stomach pain near the belly button, you can:

• Encourage them to lay down and rest
• Check to see if they need to poop
• Offer a glass of water
• Try distracting them by reading a book together or playing a quiet game

Stomach pain in the lower right part of the abdomen

Appendicitis is a serious medical emergency that can cause sudden, severe pain in the lower right part of your child’s stomach. If your child complains of stomach pain that moves to the lower right side of the belly, watch for other symptoms of appendicitis including:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty passing gas
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

You should contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if you suspect your child has appendicitis. Early diagnosis decreases risk of a ruptured appendix or serious complications.

Stomach pain on the left side of the abdomen

If your child is complaining about pain on the left side of their stomach, it could be caused by something as simple as constipation to a more severe condition like pancreatitis. Dr. Mehta reminds parents not to panic just because their child is experiencing pain.

“Most of the time, stomach pain on the left side is caused by something mild, like constipation. Rarely, it can be a sign of something more serious,” she says. “Your child’s pediatrician can work with you to better understand the pain and symptoms your child experiences to ensure they receive an accurate diagnosis – and more importantly, find relief.”

Stomach pain in the upper abdomen

If your child is complaining about pain in their upper abdomen, they may be experiencing indigestion. Telltale signs of indigestion include:

• Pain in the middle of the upper belly
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Burping
• Heartburn

“Indigestion may be the cause, if your child complains about pain in their upper belly, especially if it happens after eating certain foods,” says Dr. Mehta.

If your child has pain in the upper right side of their abdomen, this could also be a sign of gallstones. Gallstones are more common in adults than in children, but some children may be more at risk for developing gallstones including children with obesity, children with certain health conditions including sickle cell disease, and children with a family history of gallstone disease.

What can I give my child for stomach pain?

Stomach pain usually resolves itself after your child:

• Rests
• Has a bowel movement
• Passes gas
• Recovers from a stomach virus

There’s no specific treatment for an upset stomach, but you can help relieve your child’s symptoms. Trusted home remedies for stomach pain in kids include:

• Offering plenty of clear liquids to keep your child hydrated
• Offering ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
• Using a heating pad to ease cramps and pain
• Offering a bland diet, like crackers and soups
• Giving your child stool softeners, like MiraLAX® to ease constipation (see other ways to prevent and treat constipation in kids)
• Mixing a probiotic in your child’s water, which may help stop diarrhea

When should I take my child to the doctor for stomach pain?

Stomach pain in children is usually nothing to worry about. But, if your child experiences any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to determine the cause of your child’s pain:

• Constipation that is becoming frequent
• Recurrent stomach pain with no clear cause
• Blood in stool
• Diarrhea
• Fever and cough
• Pain when urinating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Looks or acts sick
• Pain that is waking your child up from sleep or is starting to affect their daily lives
• Jaundice

Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine if you need to seek immediate medical attention.

When to go to the ER for stomach pain in kids

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms with stomach pain, call 911 immediately or take your child to the emergency room (ER):

• Severe pain in the stomach
• Loss of consciousness, fatigue or ill appearing
• Difficulty breathing
• Dehydration
• Blood in vomit or green-colored vomit

When kids have stomach aches, it can be hard to pinpoint a cause or if you should be concerned. A #pediatric GI expert from @Childrens addresses when to call the doctor.

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The Children’s Health Pediatric Gastroenterology program offers specialized, compassionate care to help treat, manage and improve your child’s digestive health. Our team offers minimally invasive diagnostic techniques and the latest advances in care to help your child and family feel their best. When stomach pain in kids becomes a chronic issue, our Chronic Abdominal Pain Clinic offers help and hope.

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Pediatric Appendicitis

The appendix is a narrow tube of intestine that extends from the cecum. Appendicitis means the appendix is infected and inflamed. Acute appendicitis can cause abdominal pain and is the most common childhood surgical emergency.

What is Pediatric Appendicitis?

Annually, thousands of cases of pediatric appendicitis occur in the U.S, and it occurs in all ages of children.

The inflammation and infection of the appendix triggers obstructions of drainage and blood flow, leading to destruction of the appendix. Without intervention, infection can spread beyond the appendix, potentially resulting in peritonitis – a serious condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Appendicitis?

The most common symptom is abdominal pain, which may start in the area around the belly button and move to the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. Other symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting. Symptoms might not show up in children. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of rupture and its serious complications.

How is Pediatric Appendicitis treated?

The pediatric surgeons at Children’s Health typically remove the appendix using a minimally invasive method called laparoscopy. This procedure uses three small incisions and a camera called a laparoscope to look inside the abdomen during the operation.

A child whose appendix ruptured will have to stay in the hospital longer than the child whose appendix was removed before it ruptured. Some children will need to take oral antibiotics for a period of time specified by the physician after they go home.

Pediatric Appendicitis Doctors and Providers

• Adam Alder, MD

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• Lauren Gillory, MD

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• Erik Hansen, MD

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• Barry Hicks, MD

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• Stephen Megison, MD

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• Joseph Murphy, MD

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• Samir Pandya, MD

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• Faisal Qureshi, MD

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• Mark Ryan, MD

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full description, symptoms and causes

Almost every child has experienced this symptom at least once. There are many causes of abdominal pain in children. Most often, these are not dangerous conditions that soon pass on their own. But sometimes there are serious diseases and even life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention, surgical treatment.

When such a symptom occurs, it is often difficult for parents to understand how serious the causes that caused it are, what to do in such a situation, and how urgently measures need to be taken. Moreover, the younger the child, the more incomprehensible the situation. The best solution is to see a doctor right away.

The Nashe Vremya clinic employs pediatricians, gastroenterologists, pediatric surgeons and other specialists who adhere to the principles of evidence-based medicine and use only methods with scientifically proven effectiveness.

Possible causes

As we mentioned above, the causes of abdominal pain in a child are very different: if you list everything, you can write a whole book. To begin with, let’s sort them “on the shelves”: we will understand the modern classifications of abdominal pain.

Classification according to duration :

• Acute pain in the abdomen of a child. Usually occurs quickly, lasts from several minutes to several hours and days. It is characteristic of acute appendicitis and other surgical pathologies, abdominal injuries, and infections.
• Chronic . It persists for a long time, worries constantly or in the form of attacks. In 90–95% of cases, chronic abdominal pain syndrome is functional in nature: no structural pathological changes are detected in the abdominal organs.

Also, pediatricians sometimes use the term “ recurrent abdominal pain “. This is the name of the condition when at least three attacks of pain are repeated within three months, and this affects the activity of the child.

Depending on pathogenesis (development mechanisms), there are five types of pain:

1. Visceral – occurs when the intestinal wall is stretched, the capsule of the parenchymal organ (for example, the spleen or liver), the mesentery (the structure on which the internal organs are suspended), blood circulation is disturbed. In this case, pain impulses are transmitted along somatic nerves.

2. Somatic (parietal) is caused by irritation of nerve endings in the peritoneum – the serous membrane of the abdominal cavity.

3. Reflected (radiating) – when the pain spreads to other parts of the body, such as the chest, back, arm.

4. Neurogenic – Caused by nerve damage and irritation.

5. Psychogenic – caused by psycho-emotional problems. A typical example in children is neurotic disorders.

Classification of pain depending on which parts of the abdomen the pain is distributed :

• Generalized – when the whole stomach hurts.
• Localized – Trouble in a specific location. To describe the location of pain, doctors use a common scheme when the anterior abdominal wall is divided into nine regions: epigastric, right and left hypochondrium, paraumbilical, right and left lateral, suprapubic and right and left iliac.

Now let’s talk about individual diseases . The most common causes of abdominal pain in children are:

• Overeating , eating too fatty, spicy, stale food. Typically, such disorders manifest themselves in the form of pain, a feeling of discomfort between the sternum and the navel, and bloating. They go away pretty quickly on their own. They are called functional dyspepsia.
• Gastritis and gastroenteritis . Most often they are caused by viruses, such as rotaviruses. Can be manifested by pain and cramps in the abdomen, frequent loose stools, nausea, vomiting, fever.
• Constipation may be the result of malnutrition, insufficient fluid intake, congenital anomalies of the digestive system, neurological disorders. In young breastfed babies, the mother’s diet may be the cause of this problem. Bowel movements occur less frequently than usual, the stool becomes dense.
• Stress, anxiety . During these conditions, the hormone cortisol is produced, which can lead to cramping and pain in the abdomen.
• Acute appendicitis is a common surgical disease in children. The pain first worries around the navel or is diffuse (generalized) in nature, and then localized in the right iliac region, where the inflamed appendix is ​​located. Pain increases and becomes very strong.
• Intestinal obstruction . This term refers to a condition in which an obstruction is formed in the intestine that interferes with the passage of its contents. It can be caused by torsion, narrowing of the intestine, scarring and adhesions after previous operations, swallowed foreign bodies, and other causes. Like acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction requires immediate medical attention.
• Food intolerance and food allergy . Pain, bloating, and other symptoms occur after eating certain foods.
• Irritable bowel syndrome .
• Functional disorders of the biliary system . In such cases, the diagnosis of “biliary dyskinesia” often appears.
• Many children from 2–3 weeks to 3–4 months of age suffer from intestinal colic . They occur due to intestinal spasms caused by a violation of its motility and excessive gas formation.

This is only a small part of the entire list of possible causes. They can be both harmless and very serious. Therefore, if the stomach hurts for a long time and / or severely, if the episodes recur periodically, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will understand the situation, prescribe the necessary examination and proper treatment.

What should not be done in case of severe abdominal pain?

When a child feels unwell, parents often want to use all available means to alleviate his suffering. But some actions can only harm:

• If a child develops a sharp pain in the abdomen and you call a doctor, then you must not give painkillers until he arrives. These drugs will lubricate the symptoms and prevent the doctor from correctly assessing the situation.
• Do not give antibiotics . They are not able to quickly stop the pain syndrome. After the examination and examination, the doctor will decide on the need for antibiotic therapy in this situation.
• Do not apply heat to the abdomen . In some cases, this can only make the situation worse.
• Do not give laxatives or enemas .
• Do not force your child to eat .

Nature and areas of localization

According to the nature of pain in the abdomen, there are dull, stabbing, cutting, aching, spastic, burning . But a child, especially a younger one, in most cases cannot describe the pain syndrome and its localization. When a newborn’s stomach hurts, the baby will not tell his parents at all about what worries him, and it remains to be guessed only by indirect signs, such as:

• restless behavior, frequent crying
• pulling legs to the tummy
• poor appetite
• lethargy

As we noted above, the causes of abdominal pain are functional and organic. In the first case, there is no pathological process in the internal organs that could be detected during the examination, and the symptoms are caused by violations of their function, the functioning of the nervous system, and psychoemotional disorders. The causes of pain syndrome can be judged by the clinical picture:

localization of the pain syndrome can also tell a lot about the disease. If conditionally divide the stomach into four parts (quadrant) by horizontal and vertical lines, then in general the following will be obtained:

• Pain in the left upper quadrant or upper middle most often indicates problems with the stomach. In most cases, it is caused by gastritis. In this case, as a rule, painful sensations of a burning nature are disturbing. Also characterized by nausea, loss of appetite.
• Right upper quadrant pain is rare in children. This part of the abdomen contains the liver and gallbladder. In adults, suspicion primarily falls on liver damage (hepatitis) or cholelithiasis.
• Pain in the right lower quadrant should be a reason to rule out appendicitis in the first place.
• Pain in the left lower quadrant is most often caused by disorders of the colon, constipation.

In reality, often everything is not so simple and unambiguous, so you should not engage in self-diagnosis.

Only a doctor can establish the correct diagnosis. To do this, you need to examine the child, some instrumental studies and laboratory tests may be required. Other symptoms of abdominal pain in a child may also suggest what disease caused it.

Bloating

Bloating occurs due to increased gas formation in the intestines – flatulence. The child cannot describe this symptom, most often he simply says that his stomach hurts. In infants, the cause of flatulence is often the swallowing of air during feeding. This can also happen at an older age, and not only during meals, but also when the child is very worried, when chewing chewing gum, with errors in nutrition.

In such cases, following some recommendations will help to cope with the problem:

• buy the right bottle for your baby
• do tummy massage : start from the navel and move clockwise
• dietary modification , exclude from the diet products that increase gas formation in the intestines (for example, legumes, baked goods, cabbage)
• teach your child to chew food thoroughly
• if a child swallows air when he is worried, then teach him relaxation techniques, deep breathing

Flatulence can also be a symptom of constipation, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial overgrowth syndrome, and other pathologies. In such cases, you need to see a doctor.

Abdominal pain with constipation

Constipation is a common problem in children. The chair at the same time becomes more rare and dense. The child complains of discomfort and pain in the abdomen, discomfort during defecation. Abdominal distention is noted.

The following factors contribute to constipation in childhood:

• The habit of enduring and holding back bowel movements, for example, if the child is embarrassed to go to the toilet in kindergarten.
• Too early potty training.
• Diet change when a young child abruptly switches from liquid foods to solid foods.
• Low fiber in the diet.
• Sudden changes in lifestyle and daily routine, for example, when traveling, moving, entering school.
• Allergy to cow’s milk.
• Heredity .
• Insufficient fluid intake .
• Insufficient physical activity .
• Taking certain medications .
• Diseases of the digestive, nervous system, metabolic disorders.

The fact that a child has constipation can be judged by the appearance of stool. For this, there is a special Bristol scale for the shape of feces. Parents can study it themselves and show the child:

Types 3 and 4 are considered normal. Types 1 and 2 indicate that the child has constipation, 5, 6 and 7 are typical for diarrhea and imperative urges.

For normalization of stool and prevention of constipation in a child, it is recommended:

• provide adequate dietary fiber and adequate fluid intake
• make sure that the child has enough physical activity
• to teach the child to visit the toilet in a timely manner explain that he should not endure

Epigastric pain

Epigastrium is called the upper part of the abdomen in the middle. It is located under the xiphoid process of the sternum. Several organs are projected onto this small area at once: the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen. Sometimes it is quite difficult to understand the causes of pain in the epigastrium. But in most cases, this symptom in children is caused by one of the most common pathologies:

• gastritis or gastroduodenitis
• functional dyspepsia
• gastroduodenal reflux – a condition in which the contents of the stomach enter the duodenum

When to see a doctor?

You need to consult a doctor if the pain is severe, does not go away for a long time, is accompanied by fever or other symptoms . Frequent abdominal pain in a child should also be a reason for a doctor’s examination, an examination. To begin with, you can show the child to the pediatrician: if necessary, he will appoint a consultation with a pediatric surgeon to rule out acute surgical pathology or another specialist doctor.

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention :

• The pain is very strong , the child is constantly crying.
• Due to pain the child takes a forced position : on the right side with legs bent and brought to the stomach.
• The feeling of the abdomen is very painful , during which strong tension is felt in the abdominal muscles (“the stomach is like a board”).
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Green vomit
• High temperature
• Signs of an allergic reaction : swelling of the face, urticaria on the skin.
• Fever and cough may indicate pneumonia – it can also manifest itself as abdominal pain.
• Signs of dehydration : pallor, weakness, lethargy, dry mucous membranes, crying without tears.

First aid for a child

You can take measures on your own only when parents are sure of the reasons that cause abdominal pain:

• If abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen in age-appropriate dosages can be given before a doctor’s examination.
• If abdominal pain is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea , then it is important to supplement the child with fluids or special solutions to replenish fluid and electrolyte balance until the cause is established.
• With stool retention in children of the first year of life, which is accompanied by anxiety of the baby, microclysters and glycerin suppositories can be used as first aid.
• With increased gas formation in the intestines of a baby, a gas tube can be used to eliminate this unpleasant symptom, as well as a massage of the abdomen.

In case of any doubt, when the causes of abdominal pain are not completely clear – do not self-medicate! Contact your doctor.

Read the instructions carefully before giving your child any medicines. Make sure that the medicine is not contraindicated by age, study the dosages for different age groups.

Prophylaxis

It is, of course, impossible to completely protect a child from the entire long list of diseases accompanied by abdominal pain. But there are some simple guidelines you can follow to help prevent common digestive problems and infections:

• Child must not overeat
• The diet should contain a lot of foods rich in fiber . It promotes normal intestinal motility and prevents constipation.
• The child must drink enough liquid
• Sufficient physical activity also applies to prevent constipation
• Don’t eat before bed
• If the child is breastfed, the mother must monitor her own diet
• All products of animal origin must be well cooked
• Water must be drunk boiled , milk – pasteurized
• It is necessary to teach the child to wash hands with soap before eating , especially if before that he was on the street, in public places
• Before giving a child raw fruits and vegetables wash them thoroughly

Main

• Abdominal pain in children – a very common symptom .
• There are many reasons why a child may have a stomach ache . Often these are functional disorders, but there are also serious diseases, including surgical pathologies.
• For acute, severe abdominal pain , as well as other serious symptoms , call a doctor . Before his arrival, painkillers should not be given so as not to blur the clinical picture.
• Antibiotics are ineffective – they are only indicated for bacterial infections. Only a doctor should prescribe them.
• You can only take measures and give medicines on your own if you know the exact cause of the pain and are sure that you are acting correctly.
• There are no single preventive measures due to the variety of reasons.

Sources

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Shutova E.V. Abdominal pain syndrome in children and adolescents: possibilities of therapy // ZR. 2018. No. 5.
Ch Yakovenko E.P., Yakovenko A.V., Agafonova N.A., Ivanov A.N., Pryanishnikova A.S., Popova E.V., Grigoryeva Yu.V. Abdominal pain: mechanisms of formation, a rational approach to the choice of therapy. RMJ (Russian medical journal).
Joon Sung Kim. Acute Abdominal Pain in Children. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. Dec 2013; 16(4): 219–224.
Nadia M Hijaz and Craig A Friesen. Managing acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients: current perspectives. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2017; 8:83–91.
M Y Berger, M J Gieteling, M A Benninga. Chronic abdominal pain in children. BMJ. 2007 May 12; 334(7601): 997–1002.
Noah H. Carpenter, MD. Classification of Abdominal Pain and Comorbid Conditions – Abdominal Pain.
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ALEXANDER K.C. LEUNG, M.B.B.S., AND DAVID L. SIGALET, M.D., Ph. D. Acute Abdominal Pain in Children. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(11):2321-2327.
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A child has a stomach ache: why and what to do?

Parents often hear complaints from children about pain in the abdomen. Pain can be acute, chronic or recurrent (regularly recurring). During a certain period, the organs of the digestive system in children grow and develop especially intensively, namely during the first year life, from 5 to 6 years and at 9-12 years of age. During this period, the formation of gastroenterological diseases often occurs. Functional disorders may occur, manifested by increased gas formation, spasms in the intestines, untimely bowel movements. Such pain manifestations are not dangerous. If negative factors affect the body, this can cause the progression of disorders and transformation into a pathology of a chronic course.

Factors provoking the appearance of pain in the abdomen

In children, the stomach may hurt on the background of:

• Worm-parasitic invasion. In addition to painful manifestations in the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, changes in stool, and a rash may occur.
• Gastroesophageal reflux. In a child at an early age, such a disease manifests itself in the form of frequent profuse (fountain-like) regurgitation. In babies older than one year of age, it is accompanied by cough, otolaryngological diseases, damage to the enamel coating on the teeth, refusal to eat, hiccups and other signs.
• Helicobacter pylori infections. Pain in the abdomen is accompanied by symptoms such as belching, heaviness in the stomach, nausea.
• Constipation.
• Carbohydrate intolerance (usually lactose).
• Problems with bile ducts. In this case, the child complains of aching pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, bitterness in the oral cavity and other manifestations.
• Intestinal infections, food intoxication.
• Intestinal pathologies of inflammatory nature.
• Gynecological diseases – adnexitis, ovarian cysts, etc. Usually these causes appear in girls in adolescence.
• Diseases of the chest organs – pneumonia, pleurisy.
• Diseases of the urinary system of an infectious nature. Accompanied by a violation of the urinary function, an increase in body temperature.

In addition, the stomach can hurt with chronic stress. The cause of stress lies in the following factors:

• increased school and extracurricular workload;
• increasing flow of received information;
• violation of the eating habits.

If your stomach hurts, you need to reduce the amount of food consumed, and food can only be boiled, stewed or baked. Fast food, marinades, smoked meats, soda, fatty, fried, spicy and salty foods will have to be abandoned.

If a child has acute abdominal pain, the first requirement is the exclusion of a number of diseases that are united under the concept of “acute abdomen”. This includes an acute disease of the peritoneal organs, which requires emergency care.

Immediately seek specialist help:

• in case of acute painful manifestations that bother the child for more than 2 hours;
• for cramping pains lasting more than 12 hours;
• when vomiting occurs, including discharge mixed with blood and bile;
• when blood is found in the stool;
• when refusing food, and also if the baby does not allow touching the stomach;
• with localization of pain in the right side of the abdomen from below;
• if the pain appeared after an injury;
• if the child wakes up at night due to pain and cannot sleep;
• for abdominal pain accompanied by difficult or painful urination;
• with severe pallor of the skin, the appearance of cold sweat, fever, rashes, drowsiness and lethargy;
• for prolonged constipation, loose stools, absence of gas;
• for sharp pains during or immediately after eating.

Prohibited actions in case of abdominal pain in children

If the child has a stomach ache, it is forbidden:

• give your baby painkillers, antipyretics and antispasmodics to drink until you consult a doctor. In the case of primary pain in the abdomen, you can give the child enveloping medicines and sorbents.

Preventive measures

To prevent the occurrence of abdominal pain in a child, initially it is necessary to normalize the diet and eating schedule. To improve the digestive process, fermented milk products must be present in the children’s menu. In addition, you need to take care of getting the child’s body all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the food for the child should be of high quality. It is necessary to exclude the use of sweet juice, soda and starchy foods in excessive quantities.

To maintain the health of the digestive tract, it is important to control the child’s diet and adherence to hygiene measures. The diet must be balanced, taking into account the age of the child.

A supportive family environment helps reduce the likelihood of abdominal pain. It is necessary to protect the baby as much as possible from stressful situations and nervous shocks.