Healing Children's Abdominal Pain

Stomach ache is a common complaint among kids. It is one of the frequent causes for why parents take their kids to the emergency room of a hospital. Most often, it is not brought on by a major medical condition. Sometimes, minor ailments like gas or the cramping of stomach flu may cause severe abdominal discomfort. On the other hand, life-threatening diseases such an early appendicitis may have little or no discomfort.

Various expressions for the pain include

• The whole stomach may experience generalised discomfort. This is more characteristic of indigestion or severe gastritis.
• The pain in the belly may be confined to a single location or be localised. Such discomfort is more likely to indicate an issue with one specific organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach (ulcers).
• Cramp-like discomfort is often not dangerous and is more often caused by bloating and gas. Diarrhea often follows. Pain that happens more often lasts longer (beyond 24 hours), or is accompanied by a fever are more concerning symptoms.
• Colicky pain is characterised by waves of typically intense, abruptly beginning and ending agony.

Children under three cannot express their pain. Signs of belly pain may be: 

An increase in fussiness

Drawing the legs up against the tummy

Poor eating is an indication of stomach discomfort. Causes Abdominal discomfort in children may result from a wide range of diseases. Knowing when to seek immediate medical attention is the key. Abdominal discomfort may be the cause of persistent, inexplicable sobbing in newborns, sometimes known as “colic.” Stool or gas may pass at the conclusion. In the evenings, colic often becomes worse. Rocking and cuddling the youngster may help them feel better.

Common but less dangerous causes of stomach pain

• Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella),
• Constipation,
• Food allergies or intolerance,
• Heartburn or acid reflux,
• Streptococcal throat infection.

Stomach ache that keeps coming back Some kids have stomach discomfort attacks repeatedly, which might alarm parents. Often, there is no issue to be detected. When children worry about themselves or the people around them, they may experience stomach ache. Consider if anything is troubling your kids at school, home, or with their friends.

Diagnosis

There is no need for testing when an issue is fairly evident. If tests are required, they could consist of:

• Blood test 
• Urine test 
• Stool sample 
• X-ray 
• Ultrasound 
• Other specialised tests.

Care at Home

Ask your kid to lay still when they experience slight discomfort to see if it will go away. Sips of water or other clear liquids may be beneficial at times. Asking your kid to attempt and pass a stool is another option. For the first several hours, stay away from solid meals. When that fails, try a modest serving of a light, semi-solid meal like rice or khichdi.

When to consult a medical expert if your child

Has diarrhea or vomiting and is under three months old. Is unable to pass stool, particularly if the infant is also vomiting. Is vomiting blood or has blood in the stool (especially if the blood is maroon or dark, tarry black).

If your kid has any of the following symptoms for more than three days: burning while urinating; any stomach pain; or a fever of more than 100.4 degrees Celsius, call your doctor right once.