What Can You Give Kids For Upset Stomach

Can Diarrhea Be Prevented

Germs that cause gastroenteritis are contagious. That best way to avoid the illness is to keep the germs from spreading:

• Everyone in your family should wash their hands well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. This is especially important after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
• Clean tabletops, doorknobs, and other surfaces that get touched a lot with a cleaner that kills viruses.
• Follow food safety guidelines to prevent bacteria and viruses from getting into food and drinks .
• Make sure your kids get all recommended immunizations on time.

How To Calm A Kid’s Upset Stomach

When your child complains about an upset stomach, the pain can be from from gas, indigestion, overeating or it could be a sign of a serious medical problem such as a hernia or a ruptured appendix. Although an upset stomach usually is a manageable condition that you can treat at home, be observant and cautious about your childs symptoms.

Seek immediate medical attention if your child has symptoms that could come from appendicitis, food poisoning, an intestinal obstruction or dehydration from diarrhea. Look for refusal to eat, constant and severe abdominal pain, sudden abdominal pain with no known cause, refusal to walk or being in the fetal position from pain, a fever, pain that leaves and returns and projectile or dark green vomit 1.

Encourage your child to drink water. According to Steady Health, this can help flush out toxins in his body. Water also helps to keep your child hydrated, which is beneficial if he has increased bowel movements or fluid loss.

Place a warm towel or compress on your childs stomach. The heat will help soothe his muscles and stomach. Ensure the towel is warm enough for the child too feel, but not so hot that it could burn his skin.

Offer your kid pure ginger. According to Tums Kids, pure ginger is beneficial for easing stomach pains, and foods with ginger may also work. Try ginger ale, ginger cookies or candy. Read the label to ensure it is made with pure ginger.

Other Options What To Give Your Dog For Upset Stomach

Dogs can get upset stomachs for a variety of reasons, and there are a number of different things you can give them to help make them feel better.

There are many natural remedies for upset stomachs in dogs, and it is important to find one that works for your pet. Some of the most common remedies include eating yogurt, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or ibuprofen. It is also helpful to keep a list of home remedies handy in case of an emergency.

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Rub The Foot Using Reflexology

“There are thousands of nerves in the feet and hands that, when specific techniques are applied, can cause the entire body to relax and feel calmer,” says Laura Norman, a reflexology practitioner and author of Feet First: A Guide to Food Reflexology. The tummy region corresponds with the center arch of the left foot. Using a reflexology technique, hold your child’s left foot with the palm of your right hand, and with your left hand under the ball of the foot, apply a steady, even pressure with your thumb.

Use a forward, caterpillar-like motion to go across the foot. Switch hands and repeat from right to left, with the thumb of your right hand, and continue until you cover the center of the arch. “The child will respond positively to their mom’s loving touch, the parent feels wonderful for being able to help their child, and the parent-child connection is strengthened,” Norman adds.

What Can Cause Stomach Pain In A Child

The most common causes of stomach pain in children include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain

Additional stomach pain symptoms can vary based on what’s causing your child’s stomach to hurt, but may include cramping, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or vomiting. One of the most important symptoms to note is where your child is feeling pain in their stomach.

“One of the first questions we ask children is where their stomach hurts,” explains Dr. Mehta. “Location of the pain can help physicians determine what is causing the pain, in addition to other characteristics such as severity of pain, when it occurs, what makes it better or worse and accompanying symptoms.”

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What If I Still Have Concerns

Most stomach aches will only last one or two hours, but knowing the common causes of stomach pain can help ease your mind. By providing small comforts to treat stomach pain at home, you can help your child feel better more quickly.

While some stomach aches can be treated at home, don’t hesitate to visit your doctor or an Indigo Health clinic if you would like your child evaluated and to discuss your concerns with a medical professional.

Were open from 8 am to 8 pm every day, including weekends and holidays. Schedule an appointment time online to help us observe social distancing. During COVID-19, we have extra precautions to help you and your child have a safer visit.

I Asked A Doctor If Kids Can Have Tums Heres The Answer

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My 3-year-old sometimes complains that her tummy hurts.

With kids that age, its really hard to tell when theyre in a lot of pain, exaggerating a little discomfort, or making it up entirely for attention or comfort.

Plus, when my stomach hurts, Ill often take Tums or a store brand antacid of some kind. She sees me do this and will often ask if she can have some.

So for a variety of reasons Ive been wondering lately if its OK for kids and toddlers to have Tums or other antacids. They seem harmless to me, and Ill down them like candy when I have a stomachache, but Im not a doctor.

So I called my own pediatrician and talked to the nurse line to ask if kids can take Tums. This was their advice:

Typically, they dont recommend Tums or antacids for kids under 6 years of age. The better approach would be to:

• Try to determine if its just attention or comfort-seeking behavior
• Give a placebo or multi-vitamin
• Keep an eye open for signs that theyre actually sick

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Types Of Stomach Pain In Kids

Kids get tummy achesâtheyâre a normal part of toddler life. However, stomach pain presents itself in different ways, and these may sometimes provide clues to whatâs causing the problem. The different types of stomach pain in kids include:

• Generalized pain. If your toddler canât pinpoint their aches or indicates pain in more than half the tummy, they probably have generalized pain. This means the pain isnât concentrated in a specific area. Generalized pain is common in cases of indigestion, gas, constipation, or a stomach virus.

• Localized pain. On the other hand, if your little one points to a specific area of the belly, it could be localized pain, which typically indicates a bigger problem. Localized pain is common in issues with the appendix, gallbladder, ovaries, and testicles, or indicates a hernia or stomach ulcer.

• Cramp-like pain. Kids who experience cramp-like stomach pains are often suffering from gas or bloating. Most likely, diarrhea will follow the pains.

Kids might not be able to alert you to their stomach pains, so they may rely on you to notice the common symptoms of a tummy ache. Besides trying to understand if the pain is generalized, localized, or cramp-like, look for these typical signs of tummy problems:

• Loss of appetite

• Drawing legs up toward the belly.

If your toddler exhibits any of those symptoms, they probably have a tummy ache or pain.

Things Your Child Should Avoid Eating Or Drinking

Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage.

Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen stool.

Have your child limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

Your child should avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.

Your child should also avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks at this time.

When children are ready for regular foods again, try giving them:

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Consider A Different Formula

If you feed baby with formula, you may be able to quell their belly pain by switching the, well, formula of their formula. Numerous formulas are made specifically for babies with sensitive tummies.

Another alternative: Try using warm water when mixing up babys bottle. This can help the formula dissolve without the need for shaking, which can create air bubbles that lead to gas.

Possible Causes Of Stomachache In Kids

Stomach pain in children is normal and not usually something to worry about, which can give you a little peace of mind when you need it most! Of course, itâs always a good idea to consult your childâs healthcare provider, who can determine whatâs behind your toddlerâs tummy aches and address any questions or concerns. Hereâs an overview of some of the most common causes of stomach pain in kids along with tips to help you know when itâs serious and may need medical attention.

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Does Your Child Need To See A Doctor About Stomach Pain

You should take your child to see your GP if your child:

• complains of severe pain in the tummy or it wakes them from sleep
• has tummy pain that doesnt go away, or that keeps coming and going
• is unwell or has a fever in addition to the pain
• complains that the pain gets worse when they move
• has diarrhoea or vomiting that doesnt go away
• is losing weight or has pain that affects their energy levels.

Take your child to a hospital emergency department straight away if your child has:

• bloody or green vomit

What Can I Give My Child For Stomach Pain

Stomach pain usually resolves itself after your child:

• Recovers from a stomach virus

There’s no specific treatment for an upset stomach, but you can help relieve your child’s symptoms. Trusted home remedies for stomach pain in kids include:

• Offering plenty of clear liquids to keep your child hydrated
• Offering ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain
• Using a heating pad to ease cramps and pain
• Offering a bland diet, like crackers and soups
• Giving your child stool softeners, like MiraLAX® to ease constipation
• Mixing a probiotic in your child’s water, which may help stop diarrhea

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How Can Parents Help

For kids who show signs of mild dehydration, doctors recommend giving oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand. It has the right amount of water, sugar, and salt to help with dehydration. These are available in most grocery stores and drugstores without a prescription. Your doctor will tell you what kind to give, how much, and for how long.

Dont give kids with diarrhea sports drinks, soda, or full-strength juice. They have too much sugar and can make some symptoms worse. Also, dont give water alone.

In some cases, kids with severe diarrhea may need to get IV fluids at the hospital treat dehydration.

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Dogs Commonly Experience Upset Stomachs And There Are Many Natural Remedies That Can Help

What to give a dog for upset stomach There are many natural remedies for upset stomachs in dogs, and it is important to find one that works for your pet. Some of the most common remedies include eating yogurt, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or ibuprofen. It is also helpful to keep a list of home remedies handy in case of an emergency. Preparation Before trying any of these remedies on your dog, it is important to determine the cause of the upset stomach. For example, if your dog has been vomiting for a few days, then you may have an underlying medical issue.

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Is Tums Good For An Upset Stomach Can Kids Have Pepto

The nurse I spoke with at my pediatricians office noted that Tums is really best used, in general, as an antacid for heartburn and indigestion. It can also be used for stomachs that are sour or a little upset

Turns out, though, that there are lots of other options on the market that do come in kids varieties, especially if theres nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea involved.

• Kids Pepto Bismol

Pepto, in particular, has a variety thats intentionally made for children under 2-years-old.

Treating Symptoms Of Your Child’s Stomachache

• Have the child lie down and rest.
• Don’t give the child fluids for about 2 hours after the last vomiting episode. Then give the child clear fluids such as water or flat soda. Start with just a sip at a time.
• Keep a container nearby in case the child vomits.
• If the child vomits more than once, watch for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dry diapers, dry lips, and crying without tears.
• If you think the child could be constipated, put them on the toilet. Passing a stool may ease the pain.
• Sit the child in warm water to help release a stool if you think the child is constipated.
• Avoid giving ibuprofen , pain medicine, or laxatives.

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How To Stop The Vomiting

Theres no single surefire way to halt puking in its tracks. The sad-but-true reality: The best course of action is usually to simply let an illness run its course.

In fact, though it might be tempting to reach for medication for a vomiting child, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using any over-the-counter or prescription anti-vomiting drugs in kids .

Using antibiotics to treat throwing up is especially discouraged, as many stomach illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria.

Typically, the more important goal is to make sure your child stays hydrated throughout their bout of sickness. As they lose fluids through throwing up, giving them plenty to drink is your best bet.

How To Calm A Kids Upset Stomach

When your child complains about an upset stomach, the pain can be from from gas, indigestion, overeating or it could be a sign of a serious medical problem such as a hernia or a ruptured appendix. Although an upset stomach usually is a manageable condition that you can treat at home, be observant and cautious about your childs symptoms.

Seek immediate medical attention if your child has symptoms that could come from appendicitis, food poisoning, an intestinal obstruction or dehydration from diarrhea. Look for refusal to eat, constant and severe abdominal pain, sudden abdominal pain with no known cause, refusal to walk or being in the fetal position from pain, a fever, pain that leaves and returns and projectile or dark green vomit 1.

Encourage your child to drink water. According to Steady Health, this can help flush out toxins in his body. Water also helps to keep your child hydrated, which is beneficial if he has increased bowel movements or fluid loss.

Place a warm towel or compress on your childs stomach. The heat will help soothe his muscles and stomach. Ensure the towel is warm enough for the child too feel, but not so hot that it could burn his skin.

Offer your kid pure ginger. According to Tums Kids, pure ginger is beneficial for easing stomach pains, and foods with ginger may also work. Try ginger ale, ginger cookies or candy. Read the label to ensure it is made with pure ginger.

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Food Allergies And Intolerances

Food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities can also cause tummy aches in toddlers. Among the most common allergy-producing foods are milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. If your little one has any intolerances, sensitivities, or allergies to food, they may experience stomach pain, including gas, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea. Keep in mind that a food intolerance or sensitivity is not the same as a food allergy. The former doesnât initiate an immune response but can still cause stomach pain in kids. If your child has a food allergy, you will probably notice other symptoms besides a tummy ache, and some can be quite serious, such as trouble breathing or lightheadedness.Talk to your childâs healthcare provider if you have any concerns about food allergies or if your toddler has consistent stomach pain after eating certain foods. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your child exhibits any serious symptoms of a food allergy, such as swelling, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.