Children often have stomach pains when they are ill or when something is bothering them, and how parents should react
One of the most typical complaints in children is abdominal pain. They can result from infections or digestive problems and are typically not harmful. Psychological stress, such as that from school, may also be the cause of children’s abdominal pain.
You can find out from us why children’s stomach pain can be a sign of both physical and mental problems, when it is a must to see a doctor, and how parents can deal with stomach pain in their kids.
Digestive problems, like flatulence and not going to the bathroom often enough, are the most common cause of abdominal pain in both children and adults. Constipation can be tackled with home remedies, but a doctor should take a look at smaller children. Infections, such as the gastrointestinal tract, can also cause abdominal pain. Food intolerances, too many sweets, and eating too much can also cause stomach aches.
Pain in the abdomen is usually felt around the navel. Constipation, excessive eating, or an infection in its early stages can all be the cause of it. However, other conditions such as appendicitis, urinary tract infections, and kidney pelvic inflammation can also cause a child to experience abdominal pain. You should see a doctor right away if any of the following symptoms also appear in addition to the abdominal pain:
- Acute and severe pain in the lower right abdomen (suspected appendicitis)
- pale, sallow skin and poor general condition
- fever and chills
- hard abdominal wall
- diarrhea and/or vomiting
- blood in stool or vomit
- Persistent or recurring abdominal pain
abdominal pain in children due to psychological stress
If there are no physical reasons for the child’s stomach pain, it’s likely due to mental or social problems. This could be problems at school or pressure to do well, fear of an upcoming appointment or task, or even just a fight with your best friend. Doctors also refer to this kind of abdominal pain as “non-specific abdominal pain.”
They happen because the brain and gut are always talking to each other and can therefore affect each other. In research, this connection between the gut and the brain is also called the gut-brain axis. If a child isn’t doing well because it’s scared, stressed, or under a lot of pressure, it may feel pain in the stomach. They are not just in the child’s mind; they are real.
Tips and home remedies for stomach pain in children
You should always take your child to the doctor if he or she has sudden, severe stomach pain or if it happens along with other symptoms like a bad mood, fever, or vomiting. If the pain in the stomach isn’t very clear, most kids feel better with warmth, rest, and attention. A massage of the stomach or herbal teas like chamomile, fennel, caraway, or anise can also help. You should also ask the child how they are doing or if something is bothering them.
If a child often has gas or has trouble going to the bathroom, they should eat a high-fiber diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Plain yoghurt or flaxseed can help with digestion, and dried fruit that has been soaked can be a quick fix. Additionally, children should exercise a lot and drink a lot of water, unsweetened tea or juice. Additionally, a abdominal pain diary should be kept to record what was eaten, when the abdominal pain occurred, how severe it was, and in which area of the abdomen it occurred.
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