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There are various reasons why children may experience stomach aches, including overeating, constipation, and food allergies. Stress, infections, lack of sleep, or hereditary factors can also be contributing factors to stomach pain.
In addition to these common causes, it’s important to note that certain medical conditions like gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, or acid reflux can also lead to stomach discomfort in children. It’s essential for parents to pay attention to any recurring stomach pains in their children and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
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If your child’s stomach pain persists and cannot be alleviated, or if it becomes severe, it may be advisable to seek medical advice. It’s important to differentiate between mild and severe pain based on your child’s ability to communicate their discomfort.
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Pain in specific areas of the stomach may indicate more serious issues. Watch out for pain in the lower right abdomen, pain that spreads to the back, painful urination, or pain in the groin, as these could be signs of infections or other underlying conditions.
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Keep a lookout for symptoms such as vomiting, fever, bloating, blood in stool, or changes in stool frequency. Pay close attention to the color of vomit and stool, as these can provide valuable insights into the underlying problem.
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Stomach pain can also be a symptom of an allergy. Be aware of accompanying symptoms like hives, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, as they may indicate a severe allergic reaction.
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For infants and young children, any signs of stomach pain, vomiting, or fever should be promptly assessed by a healthcare provider. Persistent stomach pain should not be ignored, especially if it lasts for an extended period.
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Constipation can often go unnoticed in young children, leading to stomach discomfort. Look for signs of constipation if your child complains of pain in specific areas of their stomach.
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Dietary factors can contribute to gas pain and indigestion in children. Avoid foods and drinks that may cause stomach discomfort and seek advice from a pediatrician for appropriate remedies.
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Lack of lactase enzyme can result in lactose intolerance, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, gas, or diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
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Eating too much too quickly can lead to stomach pain in children. Encourage mindful eating habits to prevent discomfort.
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Stress and worry can manifest as stomach pain in children. Address underlying emotional issues and provide support to help alleviate discomfort.
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Bacterial or viral infections can upset the stomach, causing stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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IBD is a group of conditions that result in long-term inflammation in the digestive system, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea.
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If your child experiences severe, persistent pain on the lower right side of their belly, it may be appendicitis. This condition is more common in older children and teenagers.
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While most stomach aches resolve on their own, if your child’s pain persists or worsens over three to five hours, it is recommended to contact a pediatric gastro specialist in Coimbatore immediately.
healthdirect Australia offers a complimentary service for medical advice from nurses or doctors. It is important to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
Remember to always trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical help if you feel that your child’s stomach ache is more than just a passing discomfort. Your child’s health and well-being should always be a top priority.
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- Abdominal pain in children is often non-threatening and improves without treatment.
- Common causes include constipation and gastroenteritis.
- Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain in children can be complex.
- It’s crucial to ensure your child stays hydrated when they are unwell.
- Seek medical attention if the abdominal pain persists or worsens.
- Other possible causes of abdominal pain in children include urinary tract infections and food allergies.
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Take your child to see a doctor or visit a hospital if:
- Their abdominal pain is severe
- Pain persists without relief
- Your child seems unwell
- You have concerns about your child
Abdominal pain is a common issue in children between the ribs and pelvis.
There are various causes of abdominal pain in children, with most cases resolving without medical intervention.
This page focuses on abdominal pain in children under 12 years old.
If your child is experiencing abdominal pain along with vomiting or fever, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly in such cases.
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Abdominal pain can vary in onset, intensity, and location, aiding doctors in making a diagnosis.
Children experiencing abdominal pain may display signs of distress or discomfort.
- Observing behaviors in infants or young children that suggest pain can help caregivers decide on seeking medical assistance.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Utilize the Symptom Checker to determine the need for medical attention.
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Youthful children and babies may struggle to accurately describe their pain. Asking simple questions can help in understanding their symptoms.
It is important to note that abdominal pain in children can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions such as appendicitis, gastroenteritis, or urinary tract infections. If a child is experiencing severe or persistent abdominal pain, accompanied by fever, vomiting, or changes in behavior, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
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Abdominal pain in children can stem from various causes, ranging from common to rare, and can be either acute or chronic.
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Constipation is a prevalent cause of abdominal pain in children, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools.
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Gastroenteritis, or ‘gastro’, is a viral gut infection that spreads easily, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Children with gastroenteritis should be assessed by a doctor to prevent dehydration.
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Food poisoning from improperly stored or prepared food can cause symptoms resembling gastroenteritis, posing a dehydration risk, especially in young children.
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Lactose intolerance, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, may be temporary or permanent, but is uncommon in babies.
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Colic is a common condition in very young babies, characterized by excessive crying without a clear medical cause.
Babies with colic may show signs of abdominal discomfort, but generally, there is no specific cause for their distress.
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Abdominal pain may coincide with other symptoms like painful urination, frequent urination, smelly urine, fever, vomiting, or general malaise.
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Appendicitis is a medical emergency marked by pain shifting to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain during movement.
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Intussusception, a severe bowel condition, causes intense abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, vomiting, and intermittent fatigue.
Seek medical help if you suspect intussusception in your child.
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A hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot, potentially leading to complications if it becomes trapped and cuts off blood flow.
Symptoms of a trapped hernia include swelling, pain, nausea, and bloating.
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Testicular torsion, a twisting of the testicle, requires immediate medical intervention to preserve the testicle from inadequate blood flow.
Common symptoms include sudden pain, scrotal swelling, and nausea.
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At times, children inadvertently swallow objects that can cause complications. Seek medical assistance if you suspect your child has ingested a hazardous item.
Symptoms of a swallowed object may comprise of drooling, feeding difficulties, abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements.
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Diagnosing abdominal pain in children can be complex and may necessitate physical examinations and tests.
Most cases do not require medical tests, but in some instances, they may aid in determining the cause of pain.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Use the Question Builder for guidance on what to inquire about during your medical appointment.
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While abdominal pain is common in children and often not severe, prompt medical attention should be sought for severe or worsening symptoms.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain worsened by movement
- If your child experiences pain that disrupts their sleep, aggravates, or does not alleviate.
- Pale, sweaty, fatigued, and lacking energy.
- Pain or swelling in the groin or testicles in male babies.
- Symptoms of dehydration or refusal to drink.
- Abdominal pain accompanied by fever, painful urination, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, painful skin rash, or recent injury.
Seek immediate medical attention if vomit is green or bloody, or if stool is black or red (indicating blood).
Utilize the Health Service Finder to locate medical assistance, including doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals.
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- Ensure they get adequate rest.
- Encourage drinking clear fluids in small amounts regularly.
- Avoid forcing them to eat if they are disinterested.
- Provide bland foods like crackers, bananas, or toast if they are hungry.
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Avoid using antibiotics for conditions such as gastroenteritis, as most cases are viral.
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Alternatively, dial Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby at 1800 882 436 for assistance from maternal child health nurses through video call, available from 7 am to midnight (AET) every day of the week.