Kids are naturally fidgety and noisy creatures. Regardless, these two traits are also part of their charms because they’re naturally curious to know more about their environment. However, their enjoyment of life can be halted whenever they get sick. Most children get the same illnesses that adults get, but they tend to get stomachaches more than adults.
Stomachaches in children are common and are often caused by food poisoning, slight bowel irritation, reflux, and allergies. However, there are instances where the stomachache is more than it seems because it’s a sign of a more severe condition. Additionally, stomachache can become a more serious condition if left untreated. For this reason, parents must be aware of the various causes of stomachaches in children, which we’ll discuss in this article. Read on below to get started.
#1 – Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the intestines and is usually caused by the food a child eats and is associated with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. In the case of stomachache, it’s more painful and intense than what it feels like when a child eats a meal.
#2 – Reflux or Acidity Issues
Regarding reflux or acidity issues, the stomachache a child experiences would be a sharp, sudden pain. It’s usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially after eating. Aside from that, the child may experience a sour taste in the mouth post-eating.
In some cases, the cause of the stomachache could be a bacterial infection of the stomach. The pain is usually on the upper right side of the abdomen and is accompanied by nausea, fever, and vomiting. In cases like these, a physician should be consulted immediately.
#3 – Constipation
The pain related to constipation is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and is more intense than what it feels like when a child has diarrhea. In cases like these, a child would have difficulty passing stool and would have to push hard to do so. The discomfort is usually accompanied by nausea and abdominal pain.
#4 – Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by various factors, such as gastroenteritis, stomach flu, vomiting, and diarrhea. In this case, children tend to feel lethargic and have headaches, vomiting, and fatigue, making them feel very weak. If left untreated, the condition can develop into shock.
On a related note, dehydration can be caused by diarrhea and vomiting. However, the pain is located on the lower side of the abdomen and is accompanied by changed urine color, lethargy, and nausea.
#5 – Appendicitis
Appendicitis is usually accompanied by pain in the lower right abdomen. In less severe cases, the pain is located on the right side of the stomach, usually near the lower end.
If left untreated, appendicitis can cause rupture, so it’s crucial to immediately get a doctor’s advice. Unfortunately, if the condition is left untreated, a ruptured appendix can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening situation.
#6 – Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is usually caused by Crohn’s disease, a chronic disorder of the digestive system. The pain is generally located at the center of the abdomen and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In cases like this, the stomachache occurs before diarrhea. Additionally, the pain is more severe than usual, so it should be treated and diagnosed by a physician as soon as possible.
#7 – Food Allergies
Food allergies are caused by an adverse response by the immune system to a specific food that a child eats. When a child has food allergies, the body mistakenly identifies a harmless food as a harmful substance. This leads to an immune response, which triggers the production of asthma, eczema, and other allergic symptoms. As a result, the child experiences stomachaches, usually accompanied by diarrhea.
Conclusion
Children experience stomachaches for the same reasons that adults do. However, there are instances where a stomachache can signify a more severe condition. For this reason, parents of children should learn to recognize the different types of stomachaches according to the symptoms and should take their child to the hospital immediately.
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