“Mom, my stomach hurts.” If you're a parent, you've probably heard this from your children at some point.
Stomach pain is a frequent concern among children and teenagers. It can vary from slight discomfort to intense cramps, burning sensations, or feelings of nausea. Although many cases are not severe, it's useful to understand the possible causes of stomach pain and when it's necessary to contact a doctor.
Understanding Stomach Pain in Children
Children frequently experience stomach pain, which is a common reason for parents to seek medical attention from their doctor or the emergency department.
Diagnosing stomach pain in children can be challenging. The doctor will ask questions about your child's symptoms and perform a physical examination. In some cases, the cause of the pain may be apparent, and further tests may not be necessary.
Many children recover from stomach pain within a few hours or days without needing special treatment, and the cause may remain unknown. However, if the pain persists or other symptoms develop, it's essential to consult with your doctor for further evaluation and potential treatment options.
Symptoms and Signs Of Stomach Pain in Kids and Teens
Parents or caregivers are usually quick to notice when a child is experiencing abdominal pain. Infants and very young toddlers may cry, show signs of discomfort on their faces, and curl up.
Source: Kids’ stomach issues can range from mild to severe.
Young children are often able to communicate what's bothering them, while some teenagers may be hesitant to express their pain, requiring you to encourage them to describe their feelings clearly.
Here are some important aspects to consider:
- Duration of the Pain: Most simple causes of abdominal pain resolve quickly, usually within 24 hours. If the pain persists beyond this timeframe, it's essential to seek medical evaluation.
- Location of the Pain: Simple abdominal pains are typically centered around the belly button area. Pain in other areas, especially in the lower right side of the abdomen, could indicate appendicitis and requires prompt attention.
- Appearance of the Child: If the child looks very unwell in addition to experiencing pain, medical help should be sought. Signs such as paleness, sweating, sleepiness, or refusal to eat or drink for an extended period are concerning.
- Vomiting: While vomiting commonly accompanies abdominal pain, persistent vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours warrants medical attention. Vomiting that contains green or yellow material, or appears to contain blood, also requires prompt medical care.
- Diarrhea: Abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea often indicates a viral infection. If diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours or if there is blood in the stool, medical care is needed.
- Fever: While the presence of a fever doesn't always indicate a serious issue, it can accompany certain causes of abdominal pain.
- Groin Pain: Pain in the groin area or testicles may indicate testicular torsion, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Urinary Problems: Abdominal pain accompanied by difficulty urinating, such as painful or frequent urination, may indicate an infection and requires medical evaluation.
- Rash: Certain serious causes of abdominal pain may present with a new rash. If abdominal pain is accompanied by a rash, it's important to contact a doctor.
What Causes Stomach Pain in Kids and Teens?
Cause or stomach pain in kids and teens, including:
- Infections: Stomach pain in children can be caused by infections, often from viruses or bacteria. This can result in conditions like stomach flu or gastroenteritis. Viral infections usually clear up quickly, while bacterial infections may require antibiotics to improve.
- Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to food poisoning, which shares symptoms with stomach flu. This can include bloating and discomfort. Onset is typically rapid after eating and can be caused by various factors such as allergies, overeating, or gas production.
- Poisoning: Stomach pain in children can also result from poisoning, ranging from ingesting harmless substances like soap to more serious issues like swallowing iron pills, magnets, or spoiled food leading to botulism. Overdoses of medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also cause poisoning.
- Surgical Problems: Serious issues like appendicitis or bowel blockages can cause abdominal pain and may require surgical intervention.
- Medical Causes: Sometimes, conditions unrelated to the abdomen can lead to stomach pain in children. For instance, complications of diabetes or bites from venomous spiders like black widows can result in abdominal discomfort.
Natural Home Remedies to Treat Stomach Pain in Kids and Teens
Most stomach aches typically resolve within an hour or two. Here are some tips to help your child feel better:
1. Rest
Allow your child to rest comfortably, and encourage them to lie down in a position that feels best to them. Lying face down may help relieve gas pain.
2. Diet
While solid food may not be tolerated during stomach pain, it's important to keep your child hydrated. Offer small amounts of liquids like water, clear soup broth, or ginger ale. Avoid dark colas, tea, coffee, milk, sports drinks, and fruit juices, especially if your child is vomiting.
Source: Help your child drink plenty of clear fluids such as clear soup broth or juice.
3. Fluids
For infants, avoid giving water or boiled milk as it may cause issues with their salt levels. Instead, use dehydration liquids like Pedialyte. Older children can sip on ginger ale or simple soup broth. Avoid milk, fruit juices, heavily carbonated beverages, coffee, and sports drinks for children with diarrhea.
4. Solid Foods
Once your child feels ready, gradually reintroduce solid foods starting with bland options like toast, crackers, bananas, applesauce, plain rice, or cooked rice.
5. Medications
Acetaminophen can help control fever, but avoid giving aspirin to children unless advised by a doctor. Antibiotics should only be used if prescribed by a healthcare professional. It's best to avoid herbal medicines or other home remedies unless recommended by a doctor.
Remember to monitor your child closely during recovery and seek medical attention if their condition worsens or if they show signs of dehydration or severe pain.
Summary
Stomach pain in kids and teens can have various causes, ranging from minor issues like gas or constipation to more serious conditions like appendicitis or gastroenteritis.
If your child frequently experiences stomach aches, it's essential to discuss this with your pediatrician. Parents and caregivers pay attention to the frequency, severity, and accompanying symptoms of stomach pain in children and adolescents.
