Stomach Ache in Kids
Often starting as small, dull throbs and transitioning into sharp
cramps, stomach pain or abdominal pain can be felt from the chest to the
groin, according to the United States National Library of Medicine.
Cramps, diarrhea and vomiting are all symptoms of stomachaches that can be triggered by several different causes, including:
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| Stomach Ache in Kids |
- Constipation
- Emotional distress
- Food reactions
- Infection
- Irritation and inflammation
While many stomachaches are minor and short lived, some causes of
stomach pain can be more severe and/or chronic and include conditions
such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias,intussusception and irritable bowl syndrome.
When deciding how to handle your child’s stomachache, take note of the
severity and the duration of the pain and its affect on his or her daily
life. If the pain doesn’t go away, worsens or seems unbearable, it is
important to seek help from your child’s primary care provider. However,
if the symptoms are milder, there are several things you and your child
can try at home, including:
- Serving mild foods in small portions
- Rest. If needed, limit strenuous activities such as soccer practice for a week or two.
- Fueling up on clear fluids such as water or Sprite®
- Over-the-counter medications like child-safe antacids (but do so after discussion with your primary care provider). Avoid giving your child medicines like ibuprofen and Aleve® on a regular basis as they could be gastrointestinal irritants.
Stop It Before It Starts
Help prevent your child’s stomachaches before they occur by incorporating a few healthy habits into his or her daily routine.
A snack or meal may be delicious, but too much of a good thing can be
bad. Tell your child to pay attention to how his or her stomach feels,
and encourage him or her to stop eating when full.
Also incorporate
more fiber into your child’s diet to help regulate his or her digestive
system. Check the expiration dates on products already in your kitchen
to keep your family away from food that may be carrying bad bacteria.
Lastly, teach your child to keep his or her hands clean to prevent the
spread of germs that cause stomach viruses and reduce the risk of
catching a stomach bug.
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