‘Stomach Pain’ is a generic term that is used by children, or their parents, to describe pain in the abdomen. There are various conditions that can cause pain in one or more parts of the abdomen (left, right, upper and lower). Most of these conditions are not serious and will go away with simple treatment and home-care. Only some of them require major interventions. However, its important that parents or caregivers not ignore any of the symptoms, and seek medical intervention right-away.
The abdomen, which is the region below the ribs and up to the urethra, is an important part of the body as it houses various glands and organs of the digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, along with vast vascular and lymphatic networks.
Needless to say, one or more glands or organs in this region can develop a condition that results in pain, discomfort or other symptoms in the child. Most of these conditions are incidental and rarely genetic. Further, the child may or may not be able to describe the symptoms accurately. That is why, it’s important to meet a paediatric gastroenterologist immediately. He/she has the skills, and the instruments, required to diagnose the condition precisely.
There are multiple conditions that can result in abdomen-pain, each with its own unique causes and symptoms. The causes and conditions can be classified as below:
Symptoms across these conditions are similar. They include gas, vomiting, diarrhoea, dull pain, shooting pain that causes the child to curl up, and constipation. The child may be moody, angry, irritable, make facial expressions, refuse to eat or drink, and disinterested in playing or studies.
If the above symptoms do not go away quickly, its important to see a paediatric gastroenterologist. One should also rush to a doctor in the following situations.
A common condition in children, and which is defined as the child passing stools fewer than 2 times a week. Most often, the food or diet is not the problem, and the problem could be more psychological. However, this is treated by medicines and home-remedies.
While infants are made to burp in order to let out trapped gas, older children may not burp as often as adults. Trapped wind can cause flatulence, constipation and sometimes pain. Home-remedies will solve the problem and rarely is any medication required.
This is a viral infection of the intestine which causes pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Children who come in contact with each other often (like a in a school or play-home) can pass on the condition to others if they do not follow good hygiene.
Food poisoning due to contaminated food and water is generally caused by bacteria such as salmonella and shigella. Symptoms include pain, watery stools and fever. While medication will provide relief in the immediate, consuming hygienic food is the only preventive solution.
This can be caused by bacterial infections as well as emotional issues in the child. It leads to changes in bowel movement patterns, constipation, diarrhoea, gas, bloating and pain in the abdomen. Doctors will choose one or more remedies to treat the condition.
IBD is a combination of 2 conditions namely Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is marked by bleeding in the rectum, diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, unintentional weight-loss and constant fatigue. Its generally mild in children but will need medication to treat it.
Indigestion happens when the children is not able to digest the food properly, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen and foul-smelling gas. This generally happens due to overeating, consuming too much junk food and drinking too many sugary beverages.
Some children are allergic to certain foods such as dairy products (Lactose intolerance or inability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk), nuts, fish, soya products, chocolate, eggs, tomatoes, wheat, strawberries, citrus foods, etc. Medication is given to treat this.
When the above-mentioned food intolerance becomes severe (as in the case of excess consumption of that food), it results in a dangerous and severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Vomiting, nausea, shock, difficulty in breathing and rashes on the skin are the symptoms.
Colic causes relentless crying in children, with flatulence and pain as some of the other symptoms. There is no clear cause for colic, and the condition is also harmless, although it causes great distress to the child and parents. Medication is used to treat this.
UTI is as prevalent in children as in adults. It results in pain in the abdomen, pain while urinating, urinating more often than usual, fever, etc. Medication is given to overcome the condition which rarely becomes serious.
This becomes serious and life-threatening when the burst appendix causes an infection. The child will experience sharp pain around the belly button, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. While medication helps in most cases, some cases will require surgery to treat this.
A serious condition, this happens when one part of the bowel telescopes or slides into an adjoining part of the bowel. It can cause bowel obstruction, blood-flow issues with severe pain, crying, distress, bleeding from the anus and vomiting as the symptoms.
A weak spot in the abdominal wall causes an organ or part of it to bulge into and through the hole. If the bulge cannot be put back, it can cause vomiting, nausea, groin pain, inability to move the bowels, and inability to pass gas.
In this condition, one of the testicles in the boy rotates and as the result, the spermatic cord gets twisted. This reduces blood-flow to the testicle and is an emergency that requires surgery to save the testicle. Symptoms include pain and swelling in the testicle, and displaced testicle.
Very young children put things in their mouths out of curiosity or when attracted to the object. When swallowed, they can cause severe coughing, salivating, pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting and dark stools. Such objects include toy parts, buttons and batteries.
Children can collide with a wall, an object, with fellow players during sporting activities, may fall down, or an object may be thrown at their abdomen. All these can cause pain in the abdomen. Treatment options vary depending on what is the actual cause of injury.
Young girls who have already had their menarche can experience pain in the abdomen during their periods. This condition is known as dysmenorrhea.
Parasites are found in contaminated water and soil. When agricultural produce is grown in such places, and such food ingested, worms such as roundworms and tapeworms enter the body, causing pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
This is an inflammation of the gall-bladder and can be caused whether there are gall bladder stones or not. It causes severe pain in the abdomen and bloating sensation.
While this is a heart condition, one of the symptoms is a sharp and continuous pain in the abdomen, as well as a pulse near the belly button.
Other conditions that can cause abdomen pain include Diverticulitis, early stages of shingles which is a viral infection, Gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux, kidney stones (although this is rare in children), infectious mononucleosis, pancreatitis which is an inflammation of the pancreas, sickle cell crisis, ulcers, spinal fracture, stress, anxiety, groin pain caused by overstretching injuries, and obstructions in the intestine caused by poorly formed intestines.
Diagnosis options include X-rays, ultrasound, urine test and stools test. Treatment options include rest, home-remedies and mild medication. In rare cases, a minimally invasive or incisional surgery may be required. Parents should avoid self-medication and always seek medical intervention when they notice anything unusual in the child.
When it comes to your child’s health, don’t compromise. Trust Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, for expert healthcare. Our experienced team of paediatricians and paediatric gastroenterologists are committed to the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal discomfort in children. Contact us today for comprehensive and compassionate care.
What causes stomach pain in children? Stomach pain in kids can result from gas, constipation, food intolerance, infections, or more serious issues like appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
When should I worry about my child’s stomach pain? Seek medical help if the pain is severe, recurring, accompanied by fever, vomiting, or prevents urination or sleep.
Can stomach pain be due to emotional stress in kids? Yes, anxiety and emotional stress can cause real abdominal discomfort in children, especially during school or social changes.
How is stomach pain diagnosed in children? Doctors may use physical exams, X-rays, blood or urine tests, and sometimes ultrasound to diagnose the cause.
Are home remedies enough for stomach pain in kids? Mild pain caused by gas or overeating can be treated at home, but persistent or intense pain needs medical evaluation.
Can food allergies cause stomach pain in children? Yes. Common triggers include dairy, nuts, eggs, and certain fruits. Symptoms may include bloating, pain, and even rashes or vomiting.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
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