At some point, every parent hears: “Mom, my stomach hurts!”. Although in many cases home remedies such as an infusion of chamomile or simple pampering can manage to ward off childhood discomfort, other times stomach pain can mean something more serious.
Pediatric gastroenterologist Lori Mahajan, of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio, United States, offers parents five tips on tummy aches in children and adolescents from the institution’s website and advises them when to call or visit the pediatrician:
1. The ‘stomach flu’ is not really the flu
Gastroenteritis, one of the most common causes of stomach aches in children, is usually caused by a virus but not the flu virus. It usually includes diarrhea and vomiting and lasts between seven and ten days without the need for medical assistance. Make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids and check the vomit or stool for blood. These are signs that something more serious could be going on and it would be necessary to see a doctor.
2. Children also suffer from heartburn
We tend to think of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an adult problem, but it’s also common in children. GERD is often difficult to identify, especially in little ones, but vomiting is often a key indicator. Similarly, complaints of a sour or bitter taste in the mouth and pain in the upper mid-abdomen are suspicious.
GERD can be treated with antacids and, if necessary, medicines called H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitor drugs. Diet changes can also help. Children with GERD should avoid acidic drinks such as soft drinks, orange juice, tomato-based products, spicy foods, and medications such as ibuprofen that irritate the stomach.
3. Constipation: common cause of stomach pain
Constipation is among the most common causes of abdominal pain in children. Adding more fiber to the child’s diet along with more apple juice (preferably without sugar) or prune juice can help greatly. It is necessary to examine the existence of rectal bleeding since it could be a sign of something more serious. Chronic constipation can indicate celiac disease or hypothyroidism, among other disorders.
4. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is not a myth
Drinking plenty of fluids is important, and not just to keep kids hydrated during a bout of gastroenteritis. Drinking enough fluids will help maintain healthy bowel function. At least half of the fluids a child drinks should be water. It is recommended to avoid sparkling sodas and other sugary drinks, including fruit juices, flavored waters and sports drinks. Too much sugar can also lead to stomach aches, not to mention obesity and the long-term health problems that result from it.
5. It could be more than just a stomach ache.
Most of the time a stomach ache should not cause alarm but parents should be aware of how long it lasts and of other associated symptoms. Sharp pain in the lower right part of the abdomen is a sign of appendicitis, which must be treated immediately.
Also, recurring flare-ups of what might appear to be gastroenteritis could actually be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Mahajan notes, especially if there’s a family history of IBD. Chronic stomach pain can also come from allergies or food intolerances.