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Abdominal Pain in Children Aged 11 and Younger

Stomach Discomfort in Kids

May 3, 2009 Naheed Ali

Approximately 1 out of 3 youngsters is examined by a physician for abdominal discomfort or pain by the time they are fifteen years old.

Abdominal pain in children is a very common issue. Reports of abdominal discomfort or pain are a lot more common in kids younger than eleven years old and are frequently induced by alterations in bowel and eating routines. The majority of instances of abdominal pain are not severe, and home remedy is frequently all that's required to help alleviate the symptoms.

Abdominal discomfort or pain in kids is oftentimes "scary" and depressing for parents. It is often difficult to determine the exact reason of a child's abdominal discomfort or pain. Pain in the absence of additional symptoms that disappear completely in less than three hours is generally not severe.

In children, abdominal pain can be associated with damage to the abdominal cavity or a sickness, such as intestinal flu, an ear condition, a urinary tract condition, or strep throat. Constipation is a very common cause of abdominal discomfort or pain in younger patients.

Several more severe causes of abdominal discomfort or pain in younger patients include appendicitis, lead poisoning, or issues with the bowels, like introversion or malrotation. Girls who begin having menstrual cycles could experience abdominal pain every month, and the pain could be extreme during some months more than others.

Babies and toddlers frequently respond differently to discomfort or pain than older kids who may speak about their pain. An infant may get fussy, draw his or her arms up towards his neck, or eat poorly. Older children might be capable of showing the region of the discomfort or pain and explaining how serious it is.

Abdominal discomfort or pain may happen only once, or it may happen repeatedly over several months. RAP (recurrent abdominal pain) is a situation that involves children between the ages of four and eleven. Check the symptoms to decide when your child should see a health care provider about RAP.

Child Abdominal Pain Symptoms

Does the child display any of the following symptoms?

High fever
Diarrhea
Painful urination or other urinary problems
Vomiting
Breathing trouble
Crying for long periods of time

If an appointment with a physician isn't necessitated immediately, read medical texts for self-care tips.

Avoiding Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children is sometimes induced by abnormal bowel movements. Get familiar with your baby's usual bowel habits. Furthermore, be aware of the consistency and size of your baby's stools.

This can help to find out if constipation is an issue. Try to make certain your baby has systematic eating routines. Overeating is a notorious source of abdominal pain. Have your baby eat and drink very slowly and stop whenever he feels full.

Swallowing air (aerophagia) may induce abdominal discomfort or pain and a bloated abdominal cavity. Your baby might also have some flatus or belching. Restrict them from drinking carbonated drinks to help protect against this. Many children swallow up air when they are nervous or panic-stricken.