Most children experience abdominal pain from time to time. They
may describe these pains with terms like tummy ache or stomach ache.
As a parent, it can be difficult to decide whether your child's
abdominal pain is normal or a sign of something more serious. Indigestion or
gastroenteritis? Is he scared or worried about something? Did he swallow a toy?
Appendicitis? It can be difficult to know what to do. If, after reading the
following lines, you need the support or advice of a doctor, the easiest way is
to have a remote consultation with paediatricians
or gastroenterologists from
the Digital Clinics platform.
Among the many potential causes of abdominal pain in children,
the most common include:
This is a general term that describes discomfort in the upper
abdomen in children. Common symptoms include pain or burning in the area
between the sternum and belly button 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 blander diet. Talk to your pediatrician if the
discomfort persists.
This is an infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps
and pain, and nausea or vomiting. See your pediatrician if your child has a
fever of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, bloody diarrhea, or significant pain or
discomfort. The most important thing is to stay well hydrated.
Constipated children rarely go to the toilet for number 2 or have
hard, dry stools. They may frequently complain of stomach pain, bloating or
discomfort. Talk to your pediatrician if they don't want to eat, are losing
weight, have bloody stools, or have repeated episodes of constipation.
When children are stressed or anxious, their bodies release the
hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. This can trigger abdominal cramps and
discomfort.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It causes sudden
pain that starts around the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen.
The pain worsens if children cough, walk or make other jerky movements.
Appendicitis pain usually increases and eventually becomes severe. Appendicitis
is a medical emergency, and these children should receive immediate medical
attention.
An intestinal obstruction is a blockage that prevents food or
liquids from passing through the small intestine or colon in children. It can
be caused by scar tissue, a twisting or narrowing of the intestine, or
swallowing an object. Common symptoms include abdominal pain that comes and
goes and is located around or below the belly button; constipation; the
inability to eliminate gas; swelling of the abdomen; or vomiting. Consult the
doctor immediately if children are suspected of having an intestinal obstruction.
With any abdominal pain, seek emergency medical attention if children have:
• Pain
so bad they can't move without feeling more pain
• Difficulty
sitting or finding a comfortable position
• Fever
• Bloody
stools
• Persistent
nausea and vomiting
• Skin
that looks yellow
• Severe
tenderness when the abdomen is touched
• Swelling
of the abdomen
If you are caring for a child with colic:
It is very important that he drinks enough clear
liquids—encourage him to take small sips often
If he doesn't want to eat, don't force him
If he is hungry, give him diet food such as crackers, bananas or
toast
Encourage him to sit on the toilet, the position may help him
pass stool or gas, which may relieve his pain
Distract him from the pain by reading a book, stroking his tummy
or with quiet toys and games
• breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed but may need to feed more often
• oral
rehydration solutions as well as breast milk may be required
• bottle-fed babies may need formula and oral rehydration solution
On Digital Clinics you can always get a quick online consultation
and consult with an experienced paediatrician
or gastroenterologist to
ask for support for the problems your child is facing. No trips to the
polyclinic and no waiting times.
