Thursday, April 18, 2024

What To Give Kids For Stomach Ache

They Have Respiratory Issues & A Stomachache

Tips to manage stomach ache in children – Dr. Shaheena Athif

You probably think of pneumonia as strictly a respiratory illness, but for a child, it can also cause stomach pain, especially if they are very young. Contact your doctor if your child has difficulty breathing, an uncontrollable cough, fever combined with cough, or vomiting with a cough, says Poston.

Diarrhea And Stomach Pain In Children

Diarrhea and stomach pain is commonly caused due to infection. This article deals with the causes, treatment and prevention of abdominal pain in children.

Diarrhea and stomach pain is commonly caused due to infection. This article deals with the causes, treatment and prevention of abdominal pain in children.

Stomach ache is one of the most common ailments observed in case of babies and children. The cause for the stomach ache can vary from minor to life-threatening. However, as the baby or the child is not able to express the type of pain properly, it is difficult to diagnose the condition immediately. Therefore, it is wise to consult the doctor if the child complains of stomach pain. At the same time, it should be remembered that stomach pain, which is accompanied by diarrhea, is a symptom of a severe disorder that will require immediate attention.

Why Would A Childs Stomach Hurt

There are myriad of reasons as to why a child might experience abdominal pain. It could be as simple as constipation to as something more complex like Celiac Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. A chronic stomach pain in kids that is not responding to traditional treatments could be an indication that there is some underlying disease, and it needs to be looked into, said Dr. Nidhi.

If initial treatment or medicine for stomach pain for the child fails to work, then one should consider seeing a pediatric gastroenterologist.

A stepwise approach, generally requiring a deep understanding of the pattern and evolution of the symptoms, is used to determine all possible causes. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can have detrimental effects on childrens growth.

Avoid unnecessary delays resolve your doubts and queries today! Avail a second opinion from our Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Nidhi Rawal. Please call us on +8826391002 to schedule a consultation.

Some causes for chronic recurrent stomach pain in kids may include the following:-

  • Constipation
  • Pancreatic disorders
  • Appendicitis

Some of these conditions, if not treated on time, can sometimes require surgical intervention, and hence, timely diagnosis and treatment is very important.

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Stomach Pain In The Lower Right Part Of The Abdomen

Appendicitis is a serious medical emergency that can cause sudden, severe pain in the lower right part of your child’s stomach. If your child complains of stomach pain that moves to the lower right side of the belly, watch for other symptoms of appendicitis including:

  • Fever
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

You should contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if you suspect your child has appendicitis. Early diagnosis decreases risk of a ruptured appendix or serious complications.

Making Turmeric Cumin Fennel Seeds Coriander And Asafoetida A Part Of The Regular Diet Could Help In Improving The Overall Digestive Function

Stomach Aches and Anxiety in a Child

For reasons as varied as overfeeding in case of infants, overeating fried food, allergies to certain foods or lactose intolerance, your child may complain of a stomach ache. Also, this time of the year is called Pittaprakopakala in Ayurveda, which means children are more prone to digestive illnesses during this period due to seasonal changes and imbalanced Pitta or fire element. Easily available ingredients like cumin, turmeric, rock salt or asafoetida in your kitchen cabinet can help manage the symptoms of stomach more acute when there is accumulation of toxins , build immunity and also strengthen digestion. Gastric problems are in the body, due to irregular eating habits or stress, which is ubiquitous in the lives of children today.

Reports suggest as many as 24 per cent of children in India could be overweight. This is majorly due to increase in consumption of food high in salt, sugar and fat, which is more easily available to children. This has logically led to increased instances of stomach ache, diarrhoea, gas, constipation, cramps, acid reflux and other gastric issues among them. Ayurveda as a system of knowledge offers a plethora of home remedies, for gastric disorders as well.

  • Overfeeding
  • Fried, junk food
  • Sensitivity or allergy to certain foods
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Gassy vegetables
  • Worm infestation
  • Irritable Bowel Disease
  • Consumption of contaminated water, eating roadside food
  • Pitta imbalance

Pitta imbalance

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What Does Stomach Pain In Older Adults May Mean

What Stomach Pain in Older Adults May Mean. A stomachache in the upper abdomen of an older adult may the result of a peptic ulcer, acid reflux, or even stomach cancer. If your doctor suspects any of these problems, she will likely prescribe an endoscopy procedure to determine the cause of the pain and take a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis.

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 her mom’s loving touch, the parent feels wonderful for being able to help their child, and the parent-child connection is strengthened,” Norman adds.

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When Should I Suspect My Child Might Be Dealing With A Food Allergy

Food allergies can present themselves in two forms IgE- and IgA-mediated allergies.

IgE-mediated allergies cause visible reactions when the food comes into contact with your childs skin, mouth, or is eaten. The following reactions are what we would normally expect in allergies:

  • Rashes
  • Wheezing
  • Anaphylaxis

Symptoms of IgA-mediated allergies, on the other hand, are more subtle as the intestinal lining itself reacts to the food your child ingests. Most common foods known to be responsible for allergies include milk, soy, wheat, eggs, fish, or peanuts.

Most children exhibit the following symptoms if they are suffering from food allergies:

  • Growth failure
  • Appearance of a bloated stomach
  • Anemia
  • Recurrent abdominal pain
  • Off-and-on pattern of loose stools

If your child starts experiencing any of the above symptoms, your pediatrician may conduct further investigations.

Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Children

Stomach ache in children/Causes and Remedies

There are many health problems that can cause stomach pain for children, including:

  • bowel problems constipation, colic or irritable bowel
  • infections gastroenteritis, kidney or bladder infections, or infections in other parts of the body like the ear or chest
  • food-related problems too much food, food poisoning or food allergies
  • problems outside the abdomen muscle strain or migraine
  • surgical problems appendicitis, bowel obstruction or intussusception
  • period pain some girls can have pain before their periods start
  • poisoning such as spider bites, eating soap or smoking.

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When To See A Professional

So when should you call your child’s health care provider? Call immediately if the pain is severe and has lasted more than an hour or its constant and has lasted more than two hours. Or if you are worried about appendicitis or if the pain actually extends into the scrotum or testicles of boys. You may be advised to go to the children’s emergency room for further testing that may not be able to be done in your doctor’s office to evaluate for those serious causes that may need a surgeon.

So abdominal pain is something that again, we see very often and there are so many things that could cause it. By working with your child’s doctor, you can figure out what the cause of the pain is and a plan to help your child.

Four Common Causes For Your Childs Tummy Ache

Has your child ever come to you and said, Mom/Dad, my tummy hurts?

You may wonder, Did they eat something that didnt agree with them? Have they pooped today? Figuring out whats going on inside their belly can sometimes feel like an episode of The Good Doctor.

While you may have a cast-iron stomach, your little one might not. Most children will complain of a stomachache at one time or anotherand not all will be digestive related. So, how do you know whether its something that will just pass or will require medical attention?

Although there are serious disorders that can cause abdominal pain, usually your childs stomach pain is something less worrisome. We dive into four common reasons for your childs tummy ache and ways you can put their stomach and mind at ease.

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When Should I Take My Child To The Er For Stomach Pain

When it comes to stomach pain in children, when to worry is a common question asked at clinical consultations.

Parents are urged to take their child to the ER of the nearest hospital if their child

  • Is suffering from persistent vomiting
  • Is inconsolable or irritable
  • Isnt passing adequate amount of urine
  • Has fever
  • Has blood in vomit or stools
  • Is not responding to medications

The Stomach Pain Is Also In Their Back Or Groin

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The right lower quadrant of the abdomen isnt the only spot youll want to watch out for. Owusu-Ansah says, If the pain radiates to the back or groin area, it may be referred pain from other areas in the body, such as the kidneys or the bladder and urinary tract system, and may indicate infections in that area or ailments such as kidney stones.

Another warning sign is if urination is bothering them as well. If a child is complaining that it hurts to pee with abdominal pain, it may be a urinary tract infection, says Owusu-Ansah. And if boys experience groin pain and stomach pain, you should check the testicular area for pain and/or swelling or discoloration.

Also Check: Why Do I Constantly Have Stomach Pains

Learn The Common Causes And Home Remedies For Stomach Pain

My stomach hurts. If you have children, chances are youve heard this statement at least once.

Stomach pain is one of the most common complaints among children and teens. It can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping, burning or nausea. While most cases arent serious, its helpful to know what can cause stomach pain and when to call a doctor.

Here are some of the most frequent causes of stomach problems in small children and teens:

Gas

Gas pain or indigestion is common in kids of all ages. Diet often plays a role. Carbonated drinks, such as soda may upset the stomach, especially if the child drinks through a straw. Spicy foods, beans, citrus and caffeine may cause gas.

Constipation

Younger kids may not know what constipation is or that it can lead to stomach pain. If your child complains of stomach pain around the belly button or the left lower side of the abdomen, ask them when they last pooped, or if theyre having problems doing it.

Overeating

Too much of anything, from pizza and popcorn to Halloween candy, can cause abdominal pain. Kids often eat quickly and dont realize theyre full until theyve overdone it. Plus, eating too quickly can contribute to discomfort.

Lactose intolerance

Milk allergy

Milk allergy is a reaction to a protein in milk that may cause cramps. It is not the same as lactose intolerance.

Stress

Stomach virus

Appendicitis

When to call the pediatrician

Home treatment for tummy aches

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They Keep Complaining About A Stomachache

If your child is complaining about their stomach pain more than they usually would complain about something, that could be an indication that the pain is severe. See if you can distract them from what theyre feeling if their favorite movie or game doesnt take their mind off of it, thats probably because its really bothering them.

Dr. Leann Poston of Invigor Medical, says, If the pain is severe and your child cannot be distracted from the pain, contact your doctor. If the pain is not as severe, consider the age of the child. Children who cannot express their pain well warrant a call to a physician more quickly than those who can describe where the pain is located and what it feels like and thus provide reassurance.

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There Are Signs Of Allergies With The Stomachache

It may not sound surprising, but stomach pain can also be a sign of an allergy, which isnt something you want to ignore. Watch your child to see if you notice other allergy symptoms, such as hives, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or fainting. Any of these combinations can be collective symptoms associated with a severe allergic reaction otherwise known as anaphylaxis, says Owusu-Ansah. This would be a 911 call.

She adds, If the child has a known allergy and has anaphylaxis and has an epinephrine auto injector available, it should be used immediately to prevent severe illness or death.

Why Does My 9 Year Old Have Stomach Pain

Homeopathic remedies for indigestion & stomach ache in kids – Dr. Sahana Ramesh Tambat

There are many causes of abdominal pain. The associated symptoms are the most important factor, along with where the pain is. Symptoms include waking from sleep, weight loss, or a strong family history of a particular GI disease. hobie1: I have a 9-year-old daughter who has complained of general stomach pain for almost a year now.

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The Stomach Pain Is In Their Lower Right Side

Its important to find out where the pain is coming from, as pain in certain spots can be a sign of a more serious problem. Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, associate professor of pediatrics and medical director of UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, tells Romper that if the pain is in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, especially if its tender to the touch, you should be on the alert. That may signify something such as appendicitis, or in females, ovarian torsion, where the ovary rotates on itself and cuts off the blood supply, she says.

Recurring Stomach Pain In Children

Burning in upper abdomen that worsens after eatingWhen a mixture of food and acid flows back through a weak valve at the top of the stomach , it causes heartburn and a barfy taste in the back of the throat. Heartburn typically doesnt affect young kids, but becomes more common as puberty approaches, notes John Howard, a paediatric gastroenterologist and professor at the University of Western Ontario.

For occasional attacks, try a glass of milk or an antacid like Tums, but if they occur once a week or more, consult your doctor. Avoiding big meals, cutting out carbonated drinks and not lying down immediately after eating may also help. Rather than subjecting kids to invasive tests, Howard usually prescribes a medication to suppress stomach acid productionif it works within two or three days, that proves the problem is heartburn.

Cramps in lower abdomen During a period, theres a surge of prostaglandins which can trigger uncomfortable muscle spasms or cramps in the uterus.

So how do you help your daughter cope? Cramps respond marvellously to over-the-counter ibuprofen, says Issenman, adding that the medication blocks the action of prostaglandins. Many parents also seek natural remediesfrom boosting dairy intake before a periods due to giving herbs like black haw or cramp bark.

Under six months old diarrhea extreme fussiness

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How Will I Know If My Baby Has Abdominal Pain

Babies and very young children have trouble talking and saying what they feel. It may be hard to know if when he or she is in pain. Your baby may do the following when he or she has pain:

  • Bite or squeeze his or her lips tightly
  • Cry with a higher pitch, whimper, or groan
  • Move around a lot to lie in a way that will not hurt or move his or her arms around
  • Frown or squeeze his or her eyes shut tightly
  • Pull his or her knees up to his or her chest
  • Get upset when touched
  • Sleep more or less than usual
  • Touch, rub, or massage his or her abdomen

What To Expect At Your Office Visit

» Your Health and Your Abdomen (Adult, Children and Pregnant)

Talk to the provider about the location of the pain and its time pattern. Let the provider know if there are other symptoms like fever, fatigue, general ill feeling, change in behavior, nausea, vomiting, or changes in stool.

Your provider may ask the questions about the abdominal pain:

  • What part of the stomach hurts? All over? Lower or upper? Right, left, or middle? Around the navel?
  • Is the pain sharp or cramping, constant or comes and goes, or changes in intensity over minutes?
  • Does the pain wake your child up at night?
  • Has your child had similar pain in the past? How long has each episode lasted? How often has it occurred?
  • Is the pain getting more severe?
  • Does the pain get worse after eating or drinking? After eating greasy foods, milk products, or carbonated drinks? Has your child started eating something new?
  • Does the pain get better after eating or having a bowel movement?
  • Does the pain get worse after stress?
  • Has there been a recent injury?
  • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?

During the physical examination, the provider will test to see if the pain is in a single area or whether it is spread out.

They may do some tests to check on the cause of the pain. The tests may include:

  • Blood, urine, and stool tests
  • CT scan
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen
  • X-rays of the abdomen

Stomach pain in children Pain – abdomen – children Abdominal cramps in children Belly ache in children

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