What are the common causes of stomach pain in children. How can parents differentiate between normal discomfort and serious conditions. When should you seek immediate medical attention for a child’s abdominal pain.

Understanding the Prevalence and Types of Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain is a common complaint among children, often described using terms like tummy ache, bellyache, or stomachache. While most instances are benign and resolve on their own, it’s crucial for parents to recognize when the pain might indicate a more serious condition.

Children experience abdominal pain for various reasons, ranging from minor digestive issues to more severe medical conditions. Understanding the different types and potential causes can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s health.

Types of Abdominal Pain in Children

• Acute pain: Sudden onset, often intense
• Chronic pain: Persisting for weeks or months
• Recurrent pain: Repeated episodes with pain-free intervals

Is abdominal pain always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. Many cases of stomach pain in children are harmless and resolve without intervention. However, persistent or severe pain may warrant medical attention.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Children

Understanding the potential causes of abdominal pain can help parents determine the appropriate course of action. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

Indigestion

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a general term describing discomfort in the upper abdomen. Children with indigestion may experience:

• Pain or burning sensation between the breastbone and navel
• Bloating in the upper abdomen
• Nausea

How can parents alleviate indigestion symptoms? Preparing smaller meals and offering a bland diet can often help. If discomfort persists, consult a healthcare provider.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis is a common infection characterized by:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea or vomiting

When should parents seek medical attention for gastroenteritis? If the child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, bloody diarrhea, or significant pain or discomfort, it’s time to consult a doctor. The primary concern with gastroenteritis is dehydration, so ensuring adequate fluid intake is crucial.

Constipation

Constipation in children can lead to frequent complaints of stomachache, bloating, or discomfort. Signs of constipation include:

• Infrequent bowel movements
• Hard, dry stools
• Difficulty or pain while passing stools

How can parents help relieve constipation? Increasing fiber intake, ensuring adequate hydration, and encouraging regular physical activity can often help. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by weight loss or bloody stools, consult a healthcare provider.

Stress and Anxiety: The Mind-Gut Connection in Children

The relationship between emotional well-being and digestive health is well-established, even in children. Stress and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, including abdominal pain.

How does stress affect a child’s digestive system? When children experience stress or anxiety, their bodies release cortisol into the bloodstream. This stress hormone can trigger abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Recognizing stress-induced stomach pain in children can be challenging. Look for patterns such as pain occurring before stressful events (like exams or social gatherings) or during periods of emotional upheaval.

Strategies to Help Children Cope with Stress-Related Stomach Pain

• Encourage open communication about feelings and concerns
• Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness
• Ensure a consistent routine and adequate sleep
• Promote regular physical activity
• Consider professional help if stress and anxiety persist

Recognizing Serious Conditions: Appendicitis and Intestinal Obstruction

While most cases of abdominal pain in children are benign, some conditions require immediate medical attention. Two such serious conditions are appendicitis and intestinal obstruction.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, characterized by:

• Sudden pain beginning around the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen
• Pain that worsens with coughing, walking, or other jarring movements
• Increasing severity of pain over time
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Why is appendicitis considered a medical emergency? If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to a potentially life-threatening situation. Prompt medical attention is crucial if appendicitis is suspected.

Intestinal Obstruction

An intestinal obstruction prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or colon. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that comes and goes, typically around or below the navel
• Constipation or inability to pass gas
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Vomiting

What causes intestinal obstruction in children? Possible causes include scar tissue, twisting or narrowing of the intestine, or swallowing a foreign object. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an intestinal obstruction is suspected.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention for Abdominal Pain

While many cases of abdominal pain in children resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Parents should be vigilant and seek urgent care if their child experiences any of the following:

• Severe pain that prevents movement or finding a comfortable position
• Persistent fever
• Bloody stools
• Continuous nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Severe tenderness when the abdomen is touched
• Noticeable swelling of the abdomen

How can parents differentiate between normal discomfort and a medical emergency? Trust your instincts. If the pain seems unusually severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help.

Home Care and Management of Mild Abdominal Pain

For mild cases of abdominal pain, several home care strategies can help alleviate discomfort:

Dietary Adjustments

• Offer smaller, more frequent meals
• Encourage a bland diet (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast)
• Ensure adequate hydration, especially if diarrhea is present

Rest and Relaxation

• Encourage the child to rest comfortably
• Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
• Practice relaxation techniques if stress is a factor

How long should parents wait before seeking medical advice for mild abdominal pain? If the pain persists for more than a few days or worsens despite home care measures, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Preventive Measures and Promoting Digestive Health in Children

While not all instances of abdominal pain can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices can promote overall digestive health and potentially reduce the frequency of stomach discomfort in children:

Dietary Habits

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limit intake of processed foods and sugary drinks
• Ensure adequate fiber intake to prevent constipation
• Promote regular meal times and avoid overeating

Hydration

• Encourage regular water intake throughout the day
• Limit consumption of caffeine and carbonated beverages

Physical Activity

• Promote regular exercise and outdoor play
• Encourage activities that reduce stress and promote relaxation

Hygiene Practices

• Teach proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of infections
• Ensure food safety and proper storage to avoid foodborne illnesses

Can a healthy lifestyle completely prevent abdominal pain in children? While it can’t eliminate all instances of stomach discomfort, maintaining good habits can significantly reduce the risk of certain digestive issues and promote overall health.

The Role of Medical Professionals in Diagnosing and Treating Abdominal Pain

When home care measures aren’t sufficient or when abdominal pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult medical professionals. Here’s what parents can expect during a medical evaluation for their child’s abdominal pain:

Initial Assessment

• Detailed medical history, including the nature and duration of symptoms
• Physical examination, particularly of the abdominal area
• Assessment of other symptoms (fever, vomiting, changes in bowel habits)

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, the healthcare provider may recommend various tests:

• Blood tests to check for infections or inflammation
• Urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections
• Imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans
• Stool tests to check for parasites or other gastrointestinal issues

Treatment Plans

Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause of the abdominal pain. It may include:

• Medications to address specific conditions (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial infections)
• Dietary modifications
• Recommendations for lifestyle changes
• In severe cases, surgical intervention (e.g., for appendicitis)

How do medical professionals determine the best course of treatment? They consider factors such as the child’s age, overall health, severity of symptoms, and diagnostic test results to create a personalized treatment plan.

Long-term Management and Follow-up Care for Chronic Abdominal Pain

For children experiencing chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, long-term management strategies may be necessary. This often involves a multidisciplinary approach:

Ongoing Medical Care

• Regular check-ups with the primary care physician
• Consultations with specialists (e.g., pediatric gastroenterologists)
• Monitoring of symptoms and adjustment of treatment plans as needed

Psychological Support

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage stress and anxiety
• Relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices
• Family counseling to address any underlying emotional issues

Lifestyle Modifications

• Customized dietary plans
• Structured physical activity routines
• Stress management techniques

How can parents support children with chronic abdominal pain? Maintaining open communication, following medical advice consistently, and providing emotional support are crucial. It’s also important to help the child maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible, encouraging participation in school and social activities when symptoms allow.

Understanding and managing abdominal pain in children requires patience, vigilance, and often a collaborative approach between parents, children, and healthcare providers. While most cases are benign and resolve with simple home care measures, being aware of the signs that indicate a need for medical attention is crucial. By promoting overall digestive health, recognizing potential issues early, and seeking appropriate care when needed, parents can help ensure their children’s comfort and well-being.

Stomachache in children: Is it serious?

Speaking of Health

Friday, July 16, 2021

Topics in this Post

• Family Medicine
• Pediatric Medicine
• Children’s Health (Pediatrics)
• Parenting

Most children experience abdominal pain from time to time. They may use terms like tummy ache, bellyache or stomachache to describe it.

As a parent, it can be hard to decide if your child’s abdominal pain is normal or the sign of something more serious. Indigestion or gastroenteritis? Anxious about something? Did they swallow a toy? Appendicitis? It can be difficult to know what to do.

Of the many potential causes of abdominal pain in children, the most common include:

Indigestion

This is a general term that describes discomfort in children’s upper abdomen. Common symptoms include pain or burning in the area between the breastbone and navel or bloating in the upper abdomen. Most of the time, indigestion will go away on its own and is not considered serious. Prepare smaller meals and try a bland diet. Talk with their health care provider if the discomfort persists.

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

This is an infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and nausea or vomiting. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, bloody diarrhea, or has significant pain or discomfort. Most important is to stay well-hydrated.

Constipation

Constipated children have infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. They may frequently complain of a stomachache, bloating or discomfort. Talk with their primary care provider if they don’t want to eat, are losing weight, have bloody stools or are having repeated episodes of constipation.

Stress or anxiety

When children are stressed or anxious, their bodies release the hormone cortisol into the blood. This can trigger abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It causes sudden pain that begins around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen. The pain worsens if children cough, walk or make other jarring movements. Appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes severe. Appendicitis is a medical emergency, and these children should receive immediate medical attention.

Intestinal obstruction

An intestinal obstruction is a blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through children’s small intestine or colon. It could be caused by scar tissue, a twisting or narrowing of the intestine, or if they swallow an object. Common symptoms include abdominal pain that comes and goes, and is located around or below the navel; constipation; inability to pass gas; swelling of the abdomen; or vomiting. See immediate medical attention if children are suspected to have an intestinal obstruction.

With any abdominal pain, seek urgent medical attention if children have:

• Pain so severe that they can’t move without causing more pain
• Difficulty sitting sit or finding a comfortable position
• Fever
• Bloody stools
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Skin that appears yellow
• Severe tenderness when the abdomen is touched
• Swelling of the abdomen

Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider if their abdominal pain worries you or lasts more than a few days. In the meantime, find ways to ease the pain. For instance, prepare smaller meals if pain is accompanied by indigestion or encourage your child to drink plenty of water if pain is due to constipation.

Timothy Slama, D.O., is a physician in Family Medicine in Fairmont, Minnesota.

Topics in this Post

• Family Medicine
• Pediatric Medicine
• Children’s Health (Pediatrics)
• Parenting

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Abdominal Pain in Children | Boston Children’s Hospital

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Abdominal pain is discomfort or pain located anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. Every child will have an upset stomach at some point and most times, it’s nothing serious. Children with stomach pain typically return to overall good health and grow well.

Abdominal pain that continues and does not resolve with usual therapeutic treatments is functional abdominal pain.

For mild abdominal pain, you can typically wait for your child to get better with home care remedies. You should call your doctor if your child has:

• stomach pain that lasts more than a week, even if it comes and goes
• stomach pain that gets more severe and frequent, or makes the child nauseous or vomit with pain
• stomach pain that does not improve in 24 hours
• a burning feeling during urination
• diarrhea for more than two days
• vomiting for more than 12 hours
• fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• poor appetite for more than two days
• unexplained weight loss

In some cases, abdominal pain is the sign of something more serious. You should seek medical help immediately if your child:

• is a baby younger than 3 months and has diarrhea or vomiting
• is unable to pass stool, especially if the child is also vomiting
• is vomiting blood or has blood in the stool (especially if the blood is maroon or dark, tarry black)
• has sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• has a rigid, hard belly
• has had a recent injury to the abdomen
• is having trouble breathing
• is currently being treated for cancer

Abdominal Pain in Children | Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can be accompanied by symptoms like:

• nausea
• excessive gas or bowel movements
• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting

What causes abdominal pain in children?

The gastrointestinal tract is a complicated system of nerves and muscles that pushes food through the digestive process. Some children’s nerves are very sensitive and feel pain in response to even normal intestinal activities.

The most likely cause of stomach pain is not eating enough, not going to the bathroom, or a combination of the two. In some cases, a specific problem such as constipation, heartburn, or a food allergy causes abdominal pain. In other cases, the cause may not be so clear.

An infection, stress, or lack of sleep may make the intestinal nerves more sensitive to pain. In some cases, the problem may be genetic, which means it “runs in the family” and other family members have a similar history of the problem.

Abdominal Pain in Children | Diagnosis & Treatments

How is abdominal pain diagnosed?

A clinician will take a history of the child’s abdominal pain, how and when it started, the location and type of pain, and how it has progressed over time. If the child has any allergies or a history of food intolerances, parents should let the clinical team know.

The child’s pediatrician may order tests of the child’s blood, urine, and stool to rule out specific conditions associated with abdominal pain. If the child’s medical history, exam, or lab tests raise further questions, more in-depth tests, such as an x-ray or endoscopy, may be necessary.

How is abdominal pain in children treated?

Once they’ve diagnosed the source of the pain, the care team will create a treatment plan. Depending on the root cause, treatment may include dietary changes, medication, or behavioral approaches to address underlying anxiety or depression. With the right treatment, most children with abdominal pain continue to grow well and gain weight.

How we care for abdominal pain in children

Our Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition works with parents and children to relieve many kinds abdominal pain and provides access to more specialized gastroenterology services than any other hospital. If your child needs specialized care, our expertly trained team will work with your family and each other to develop an individualized treatment plan.

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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 occur at an older age, and not only during meals, but also when the child is very worried, when chewing chewing gum, with nutritional errors.

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

mayoclinichealthsystem.org
health.harvard.edu
kidshealth.org/en/kids/abdominal-pain.html
medlineplus.gov
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.
foreverfreckled.com/abdominal-pain-children/
parents.com/recipes/scoop-on-food/reasons-your-kid-is-bloated-and-how-to-help/
mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/constipation-in-children
continence.org.au/bristol-stool-chart

what to do – useful information for patients, Vitbiomed clinic blog +

Text: Irina Frolova

Vomiting in a child is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. Vomiting may be accompanied by or without additional symptoms, diarrhea, and/or high fever. In this article, we will talk about the possible causes of vomiting without fever and diarrhea and what parents need to do.

Causes of vomiting without fever and diarrhea

Viral gastroenteritis

This disease is also called intestinal or stomach flu. Usually its causative agent is a virus from the group of rotaviruses, less often – norovirus. The disease begins abruptly, with indomitable vomiting, accompanied by rumbling and pain in the abdomen. Diarrhea may also develop after 12 to 24 hours, but this is not necessary. Rotavirus infection often occurs with an increase in temperature to febrile values.

Food allergy

Sometimes the only reaction to a food intolerance is vomiting. In this case, vomiting occurs almost immediately after consumption of the product. The most common food allergies are nuts, fish, seafood, milk, eggs, and soy products.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Non-viral gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia may cause vomiting. As a rule, in children they are caused by errors in nutrition, but there may be other reasons. To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you need to visit a gastroenterologist.

Taking certain medications

Vomiting can be caused by not following the rules for taking certain medications, such as taking drugs on an empty stomach that irritate the stomach lining. Such drugs, in particular, include paracetamol, ibuprofen, iron preparations, theophylline.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness often causes nausea and vomiting. In this case, the child may experience pain in the abdomen, he may sweat a lot, and then vomiting begins. You can get sick not only on a trip, but even when watching movies shot with camera shake and fast-paced frames.

Cough

A severe cough can sometimes lead to vomiting, especially in children with reflux.

Migraine

About 10% of children suffer from migraine – cases of migraine have been reported in children of two years of age. A migraine attack is often accompanied by vomiting.

Stress

Vomiting can occur during a stressful situation in both children and adults.

Concussion

This is a dangerous condition that occurs after a fall and/or a blow to the head. Vomiting is often its main symptom, but headaches, visual disturbances, speech and gait disturbances may also occur. If you suspect a concussion, you should immediately call a doctor.

Appendicitis

Usually accompanied by severe abdominal pain and requires an ambulance.

Foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract

Sometimes children swallow various objects – buttons, batteries, and so on. This can lead to serious consequences, including intestinal obstruction, a sign of which is also vomiting.

How to determine the severity of vomiting

• Mild – 1-2 times a day
• Medium – 3-7 times a day
• Severe – more than 8 times a day or after any meal, water

How dangerous vomiting is

It causes dehydration, and the more severe the vomiting, the more severe the dehydration. With severe dehydration, the functions of various body systems are disrupted; in severe cases, death can occur without infusion therapy. Children become dehydrated very quickly, and at the first suspicion of dehydration, it is necessary to call a doctor.

How to identify dehydration

• The child has dark urine and has not urinated for 8 hours
• Child has dry mouth
• The child cries without tears

If these signs appear, an ambulance should be called. Dehydration is dangerous to the life of a child, especially a younger one.