Abdominal pain is a regular complaint from kids as they grow up. In a lot of cases, the pain usually goes away by itself and is not a significant cause for concern. If you are concerned, then you should contact your clinic for advice on whether you need to pay a visit.
There are many different reasons why kids get abdominal pain. In this latest article, we will take a quick look at the common causes of abdominal pain in infants and children.
Colic and Constipation
These two issues can be regular sources of abdominal pain in infants and generally get better as your child’s digestive system develops. Colic is very upsetting for parents as your baby will cry a lot because of the discomfort in their abdomen. You may notice that your baby’s stomach is hard, or they are having a hard time getting rid of gas.
There is no definitive cause for colic, and the symptoms usually resolve by themselves. You can try and keep your little one as comfortable as possible. Speak with your pediatrician about it as there may be an issue with certain foods, and they can also make suggestions regarding different feeding schedules.
Infections
Bacterial and viral infections are widespread in kids of all ages. The abdominal pain will usually be accompanied by diarrhea and/or vomiting. There are many culprits for these infections, but the treatment usually consists of rest and keeping your child hydrated. They should be back to normal in 24-48 hours.
However, if the sickness is accompanied by fever or doesn’t get better after a couple of days, then you should get them checked out by a physician.
Food
Abdominal pain can often be related to food. All of us at some point will suffer a tummy ache because we have overeaten, and this usually happens with kids. However, if there are other symptoms such as a rash or diarrhea, then this could point to other causes.
It is very common for people with food allergies, such as dairy and gluten, to suffer from abdominal pain. If you suspect that your child has a food allergy or intolerance, then you should get your pediatrician to investigate further.
Food poisoning can also lead to abdominal pain, but this will usually be accompanied by other symptoms such as mild fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Your little one should get better after a few days of rest and regular hydration. As with other conditions mentioned above, make sure you monitor their condition and if their symptoms don’t seem to be getting better then get them checked out.
Appendicitis
If your child has a mild fever and is complaining of severe abdominal pain around the belly button or lower right side, then they may have appendicitis. This condition is a medical emergency, so you should seek medical attention without delay.
Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes infected. If it is left untreated, then the appendix could burst, which would lead to bacteria spreading around the body. Therefore, if your child is diagnosed with appendicitis, they will have their appendix removed in a minor surgical operation.