Kids
Stomach ache in children: what to do?
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“Mommy, Daddy, my tummy hurts!” This phrase, so dreaded by parents, can hide many causes.
Stomach aches are often benign but can sometimes turn out to be more serious. A child's tummy ache can also be a psychological manifestation or a strategy to get attention. In all cases, patience and an eagle eye are your allies in remedying the situation!
Here's an overview of tummy aches in children to help you make sense of the situation and provide the best possible support for your little one.
The main causes of stomach ache in children
Stomach aches in children can be caused by any disorder affecting the viscera, particularly the organs of the digestive system. The conditions and illnesses potentially responsible for tummy aches are, therefore, innumerable.
However, certain conditions are particularly common in children. Among the most common causes of tummy ache are:
- Digestive system disorders, such as indigestion or constipation;
- Gastroenteritis;
- Food poisoning;
- Food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease;
- Urinary tract infection; and
- Appendicitis.
Some causes are psychological: a stomach ache in a child can be triggered by severe anxiety, for example, before going to school.
A simple cold snap can also trigger a stomach ache, often accompanied by diarrhea. To avoid this, it's best to cover your little one up with appropriate outerwear and protect their extremities with outdoor accessories.
What should I do if I have a stomach ache?
Is your little one complaining of tummy aches? To pinpoint the cause of the problem and treat it at its root, it's a good idea to know the symptoms of the main conditions that cause this kind of pain.
Here's a table of the most common disorders to help you get your bearings, along with their symptoms and treatment.
| Disorder/pathology | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Disorder/pathologyConstipation | Symptoms- The child has difficulty with bowel movements - Hard, dry stools - Pain in the anus when going to the toilet - Sometimes, blood on toilet paper | Treatment- Offer a diet rich in fibre (fruit, cereals, wholemeal bread) - Drink plenty of water Give a polyethylene glycol 3350-based medication under a doctor's supervision |
| Disorder/pathologyGastroenteritis | Symptoms- Sudden, intense stomach ache - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Fever | Treatment- Maintain a good level of hydration by giving water and an electrolyte solution - Supplement with probiotics |
| Disorder/pathologyFood poisoning or indigestion | Symptoms- Cramps - Nausea - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Headache - Fever | Treatment- Drink water regularly - Avoid raw foods, opting instead for rice and pasta, eaten in small portions. - Encourage your child to get plenty of rest; rest and sleep are the best remedies. |
| Disorder/pathologyFood intolerance | Symptoms- Sudden stomach ache after eating a suspect food (dairy or gluten) - Bloating, gas, loose stools, and diarrhea - In the case of celiac disease, possible growth delays | Treatment-In the case of lactose intolerance, eliminate lactose for about two weeks then gradually reintroduce it and observe the evolution of symptoms. If necessary, use lactose-free products and supplement with vitamin D and calcium. - For gluten intolerance or celiac disease, remove gluten from your child's diet only if recommended by your doctor. |
| Disorder/pathologyUrinary tract infection | Symptoms- Very frequent need to pee - Lower abdominal pain - Burning sensation when urinating - Fever - Presence of blood in urine | Treatment- Antibiotic treatment under a doctor's supervision |
| Disorder/pathologyAppendicitis attack | Symptoms- Sudden, intense abdominal pain - Pain is difficult to localize at first but then becomes more precise, usually located on the lower right side of the abdomen - Difficulty moving | Treatment- Getting to the emergency quickly |
When should I consult a doctor?
Most of the time, children's tummy aches are benign and disappear within a few days. However, a visit to a health professional may be necessary in certain cases.
So, if your little one's tummy ache lasts more than 5 days, or if it's chronic, see your doctor. Certain symptoms, such as weight loss, high fever, or blood in the stool, may also require a visit.
In general, never hesitate to consult a professional if you have any doubts: prevention is better than cure!
What if the stomach ache is psychological or feigned?
Sometimes, your little angel's tummy ache is psychological. A stressful situation (problems at school, a new nanny, a relative leaving on a trip...), for example, can cause stress and anxiety in the child. These, in turn, can be responsible for a stomach ache, which can be somatic in nature.
Sometimes, children may also feign a stomach ache to hide an emotion, avoid a situation, or get attention from their parents.
In all cases, give your little one the opportunity to express himself or herself by asking questions about what they are feeling. In some cases, communication is the best treatment for minor ailments!
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We hope this article on children's tummy aches has given you some insight into your little one's discomfort! And to prevent other little ailments caused by the cold, find out how to dress your child in winter.