Abdominal pain is common among the pediatric age group. The younger the child, the more challenging it is for them to describe the discomfort or pain accurately. This, in turn, makes it difficult for parents or caretakers to differentiate between genuine pain and excuses to skip activities or school. Understanding the various causes of abdominal pain in kids can help identify concerning signs, leading to timely intervention and appropriate management.
Causes of abdominal pain in kids
The common cause of abdominal pain in kids are gastrointestinal issues like constipation, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, or food intolerances.
“The gastrointestinal issues occur due to dietary factors like consuming less fiber and water. Children are also prone to abdominal pain when they consume junk food or if they are overeating,” says Dr Haridarshan GJ, consultant pediatrician, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore.
“It also occurs due to a viral and bacterial infection along with associated symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea,” adds Dr Haridarshan.
Serious causes like intestinal obstruction, intestinal malrotation, hernia, or intestinal infections can also trigger pain. Such cases must be addressed quickly.
Other causes needing medical attention include urinary tract infections, appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional abdominal pain, testicular torsion, or if the child has swallowed any object.
Since the potential causes are many, parents need to assess the pattern and frequency of the abdominal pain and take timely action based on it. If the child is healthy and complaining on and off about the pain, it rules out serious conditions.
Tummy pain: Signs parents should watch out
Parents need to assess the frequency and the duration of the abdominal pain in kids, and the symptoms associated with it (vomiting, constipation, fever and diarrhea). They should analyse the behavioural changes like inconsolable crying or complaining while the child is playing or waking up from sleep. Their facial expression should be assessed too. Parents should try and see if the pain stops after consuming food or a drink.
“If a child is less than a year or two, their abdomen will be bloated and will pass unusual stool (change in the color of stool) and excessive vomit or they usually point out to the abdomen and cry,” says Dr Haridarshan.
“When a child complains of abdominal pain and if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly,” Dr Rajiv Chhabra, chief pediatrician, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, Haryana. “After receiving medical advice, ensure that any prescribed treatments or dietary changes are followed diligently, and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor progress.”
It’s the observation that matters the most, since the parents will get to know if the baby is crying because they are hungry or in pain.
How to help children express pain?
According to Dr Chhabra parents can assist their child in expressing their pain or symptoms by:
- Encouraging communication: Create a safe and supportive environment for your child to share their feelings and symptoms openly.
- Using visual aids: Younger children might find it easier to express themselves through drawings or diagrams.
- Providing examples: Use relatable scenarios or objects to help children articulate their pain location, severity, and any accompanying symptoms.
Treatment of a abdominal pain in kids
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. However, some general measures to alleviate abdominal pain in kids include:
- Fluids: Encourage your child to drink fluids like ORS, coconut water, soups, apple juice, buttermilk etc. to stay hydrated, especially if the cause is gastroenteritis.
- Dietary changes: Adjusting the child’s diet to avoid triggering foods and promoting fiber intake for constipation.
- Medications: “Usually the pain will settle on its own. If the pain persists more than six hours, giving them over the counter drugs like paracetamol is good enough. The appropriate dosage depends on weight and the age,” says Dr Haridarshan.
- Rest: Ensure your child gets adequate rest to aid in recovery.
- Massages: Abdominal massages for babies less than a year or two works. Massages should be given clockwise and anticlockwise. Making them sleep in a prone position works too.
Takeaways
- The causes of abdominal pain in kids are many including gastrointestinal issues, infections, structural and functional disorders.
- Parents should pay attention to the frequency, duration, and severity of the pain, as well as any associated symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite or behavior.
- When a child complains of abdominal pain and if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
