The manifestation of pain in the abdomen can be troubling for children of any age. It is important to determine the cause of its occurrence, since it may not be a simple malaise, but the development of a serious pathology. For diagnosis, a doctor assigns a number of studies, based on the results of which a conclusion is made.
Abdominal pain in childhood is common
Causes of pain syndrome
There are many factors that trigger abdominal pain in a child. Each of them is characterized by the manifestation of special symptoms.
Ulcer and gastritis
If you are concerned about a dull pain that periodically appears and then subsides, this may be a signal of an ulcer. Additionally, nausea appears. Temperature rise is possible at times.
Constipation and diarrhea
In childhood, bowel upset accompanied by pain is common. This does not always indicate the development of pathology. Both diarrhea and constipation can occur against a background of emotional stress, if proper nutrition is not followed. The child should be seen by a doctor if the problem lasts several days.
Important! If we are talking about an intestinal disorder in a newborn, consultation with a pediatrician is urgently needed.
Infections
A child's stomach pain can be caused by a viral infection. In such a situation, additional symptoms will appear in the form of stool disturbances, vomiting, and an increase in body temperature.
Worm infestations
Infection with parasites causes pain, accompanied by increased gas production and itching in the anus, which intensifies at night.
Dyspeptic disorders
When difficulties in digestion appear, the child feels discomfort in the stomach, a feeling of overcrowding. However, he quickly gorges.
Intestinal obstruction
A phenomenon that most often worries babies from five to nine months. As additional symptoms appear stool with impurities of blood, nausea with vomiting. This condition requires urgent surgical intervention.
Flatulence and colic
Parents of newborn babies are often confronted with the anxiety of their baby due to colic. You can understand this by behavior: the child screams strongly, tightens his legs, constantly strains. Older children may experience flatulence, which is not an independent pathology. An increased level of gas production appears as a symptom in many diseases.
Colic is one of the common causes of abdominal pain in newborns.
Symptoms of stomach pain
Children may show additional symptoms. These include:
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- lack of appetite;
- bad mood.
Depending on the pathology that causes pain, children may experience heartburn, constipation, fever, nausea and vomiting.
In medicine, there are several types of pain:
- aching;
- stupid;
- sharp.
The latter type is one of the most dangerous, as it manifests itself during the development of the inflammatory process of the intestine. Most often this is a sign of appendicitis or pancreatitis.
If sharp pain occurs, it is urgent to show the child to the doctor
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders
If the child has a stomach ache very often, there are additional symptoms in the form of fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you should consult a doctor. To determine the cause, the following are assigned:
- general analysis of blood, urine and feces;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
- X-ray with the introduction of a catheter.
The specialist also performs palpation. Based on the results of the study, a conclusion is made about the cause of the pain.
To make a diagnosis, the child is assigned laboratory tests
Recommendations for pain in children
It is important for parents to know what to do if their child has a stomach ache. It is not recommended to make independent attempts at treatment - this can lead to the development of complications.
How to help a child with colic
If we are talking about a newborn baby who has a tummy ache due to colic, he can be given Espumisan. Heat has a good effect on the abdominal area: you can use a heated diaper or a saline heating pad.
When an ambulance is needed
If the stomach hurts, without ceasing for several hours, while the child has concomitant symptoms in the form of rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, it is necessary to call an ambulance.
Important! Parents should closely monitor the patient's condition. The appearance of pallor, high temperature, vomiting and nausea should not be missed - they can be a manifestation of a dangerous disease.
Rest mode
Rest plays an important role for a sick child. He needs to be put to bed. If vomiting is observed, it is best to put it on its side so that the crumb does not choke.
If you are concerned about pain in the abdomen, it is necessary to restrict the child from lifting anything heavy. In a situation where he attends sports sections, stop classes until the cause of pain is identified.
Diet food
If necessary, the pediatrician can develop a dietary food. Most often it includes:
- vegetable soups in broth without meat;
- liquid porridge on water;
- steamed vegetables;
- lean fish;
- baked fruits;
- homemade jelly;
- herbal teas.
All sweets, pasta, baked goods, grapes, cabbage, sausages, and potatoes are banned. These foods can be eaten in limited quantities as soon as the aggravation has been relieved.
Proper nutrition plays an important role
What not to do
If the baby's stomach begins to get sick, it is impossible to give him painkillers - this will smooth out the manifestation of symptoms, and it will be difficult for the doctor to determine the cause. If the discomfort is accompanied by an increase in temperature, you can give an antipyretic before the arrival of specialists.
Danger of stomach pain
The factors that provoke pain can be different, ranging from digestive problems to the manifestation of a cold. You should not make a diagnosis yourself - this can lead not only to serious complications, but also death.
Important! Sharp dagger pains are very dangerous. They may indicate the development of inflammation of appendicitis or peritonitis. In such a situation, urgent medical attention is needed.
Preventive measures
Nutrition plays an important role in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This problem is especially acute for primary school students. To avoid stomach problems, a number of preventive measures are recommended:
- Observe the drinking regime, while completely excluding carbonated drinks.
- Reduce the use of spicy, fatty, smoked and fried foods.
- Make a regular meal schedule for the child. It should consist of a full breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands, vegetables and fruits before eating are also important.
Attentive attitude to the child, control of his condition will help to quickly solve the problem with pain in the stomach.
