Children are full of surprises: one moment they’re happily playing and bouncing around, and a few minutes later they’re complaining about some kind of pain. There’s headache, foot pain, toothache, and the most common one: stomachache. But why do stomachaches happen so often in children? What are the reasons?
We hear complaints about stomachaches so often that it might seem trivial, but believe it: there are so many reasons it can happen that it’s not always that simple. Of course, most cases are resolved easily and without major concerns, but it’s worth observing every sign to truly identify the problem. In 80% of the cases seen in the waiting room of a pediatric emergency room, the main symptom reported is a stomachache, so let’s learn about the main reasons for this bothersome pain.
Very common in childhood, colic caused by gas is one of the main reasons for stomach pain in children1. It usually happens because of the immaturity of the digestive system or even due to foods that increase gas production, such as beans. Colic is a very frequent problem, especially in babies, and can be relieved by abdominal massage or with the help of anti-gas medication, of course, prescribed by the pediatrician as well as the correct dosage.
The second very common cause of stomach pain in children is overeating or the famous “weekend junk food”. We always try to follow a healthy menu and avoid offering fatty, sugary foods with no nutritional value, but occasionally overdoing it on a weekend is inevitable, right? Who hasn’t been to a marathon of kids’ birthday parties in the same weekend? Anyone’s digestive system may act up when we overeat, and that includes children too2. So if your child overdid it on sweets, the stomach might complain, or if they ate something spoiled, pain will be inevitable, often accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. The way to relieve it is by offering lighter foods, plenty of fluids, and waiting for the body to eliminate what caused the discomfort!
Another reason for stomach pain in children can be worms. This was very common in the past but is less common nowadays, since it was usually picked up through contact with contaminated soil and water, but it should always be investigated. Recurring stomach pains should be reported to your pediatrician, who can request a stool test to check for worms3. If positive, treatment will include deworming medication prescribed by the pediatrician in the appropriate dosage. Stomach pain in children can also be caused by anxiety, fear, constipation, and in rare but not impossible cases, inflammation of the appendix. That’s why it’s important to observe every sign and symptom, and if fever and nausea are present, seek urgent care right away. As they say, it’s better to be overly cautious than not cautious enough!
How to Diagnose and Treat Stomach Pain in Children
The diagnosis is made during a pediatric appointment, where information like where it hurts, what the pain feels like, the location, and when the pain happens are all requested. Symptoms that accompany stomach pain in children are also very valuable information and should be reported in detail to the doctor. During the appointment, the doctor will examine the entire abdomen to detect any problems or notice anything unusual. Treatment will be recommended as needed and tailored to any symptoms accompanying the stomach pain. In most cases, the use of an analgesic is enough to relieve discomfort. However, no child should be medicated or treated without a medical prescription and without knowing exactly what is happening. Using the wrong medicine can make matters worse.
See also: Worms in Children – What to Do?
Photos: Ivan de Paula
