Abdominal Pain in Children Q&A

It can be harder to help out a child than an adult when it comes to abdominal pain or stomach aches, as they may not always be able to explain the pain they may be feeling or dealing with to its full extent.
 
Babies are even harder than children to find out what their issues are, due to them not being able to communicate at all what they are feeling or dealing with. It is up to the parents to advocate for their kids to the medical professionals about what may be going on, or what they have previously noticed leading up to the doctor’s appointment. Babies and toddlers react differently to pain than older children do, as a baby may become fussy, draw their legs up towards the belly, and/or start eating less.
 
Children’s abdominal pain can be related to an injury to the abdomen, an illness, an upset stomach, ear infection, urinary tract infection, or even strep throat. Other reasons abdominal pain can also ensue in children could be an infection passed onto them from an animal or from traveling to a foreign country.
 
Constipation is one of the most common reasons for abdominal pain in children. While some of the more serious issues of abdominal pain found in children include appendicitis, lead poisoning, or problems with their intestines.

Usually, stomach pain in children is not worrisome and can pass on their own through a bowel movement or rest. However, if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is best to bring them in as soon as possible to your nearest pediatrician or urgent care location like Kidswood Pediatrics:
 
– Constipation that becomes frequent
– Recurrent stomach pain with no clear reason
– Blood in their stool
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Cough
– Pain when urinating
– Unexplained weight loss
– Looks or is acting sick
– Pain that is waking your child up from rest or is beginning to affect their lives
– Jaundice
 
If your child starts to experience any of the following symptoms from stomach pain, call 9-1-1 or immediately take your child to the nearest emergency room:
 
– Severe pain in the stomach
– Loss of consciousness, fatigue, or ill
– Difficulty breathing
– Dehydration
– Blood in their vomit
– Green-colored vomit

Normally, abdominal pain or stomach aches in children can be easily treated at home with rest, fluids to help fight dehydration, avoiding solid foods, fever relievers, and pain management supplements. Talk to your family doctor about what may be best to help your child get through their stomach pain issues if you have any doubt.
 
Rest is crucial in helping aid your child back to health from a stomach ache or abdominal pain. It is recommended to have them lay face down to help relieve gas pain, or whatever position feels best for your child.
 
Solid foods should not be given during this time, as it will be difficult for your child to keep solid foods down if they are vomiting. It is recommended to offer small amounts of fluids like water, soup, Pedialyte, and ginger ale.
 
Offering fever relievers will help your child to break their fever if they have one and feel better faster, as well as pain medications for their stomach, as it can help them get some rest from the stomach ache or abdominal pain they are dealing with.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health, reach out to Kidswood Pediatrics today! For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Apopka FL, Casselberry FL and Oviedo, FL.