It’s pretty typical for kids to experience a stomachache, but it might be time to see a doctor if their digestive issues become persistent.
Digestive issues may significantly affect a child’s growth and development. But how can you know the difference between a bit of stomach ache and a severe digestive condition?
When you know how to identify the signs of common digestive issues, you can help your kid receive adequate treatment and maintain a healthy diet to reduce the symptoms.
Here are the five common digestive disorders in children and their warning signals to help you decide if it’s time to seek a kid’s urgent care in Vestavia, AL.
Constipation
For kids, constipation can become a vicious cycle. Not only is it highly uncomfortable and unpleasant to go back and forth to the toilet, but it can also affect their mental health. Specifically, it can create a fearful experience among kids.
Constipation in children can be caused by a particular food, medicine, or even routine changes. Characteristics that are commonly associated with constipation include:
- Firm and dry stool
- Painful and infrequent bowel movements
- Difficulty in passing stools
For a quick remedy, encourage your kid to eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and drink more water to help relieve constipation. Make sure to consult with a pediatrician for more treatment options.
Lactose Intolerance
If your child’s body cannot properly break down lactose, they may have stomach pain after eating sugar found in dairy. Lactose intolerance might also manifest itself in the following ways:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Loose or watery stool
The good thing about this stomach issue is it’s easily treatable. Ingesting lactase enzymes before consuming dairy also provides your child’s body the capacity to digest lactose effectively.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is another condition where your child can experience intense and frequent stomach aches. One of the most prevalent symptoms is diarrhea.
If the symptoms persist, it could be time for your kid to receive urgent care. Pediatric services are the best way to determine the cause of stomach pain and provide necessary treatment options.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
One misconception about heartburn is that it only affects adults; however, this form of stomach acid regurgitation may also impact newborns and children.
The following are some of the most common Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) symptoms to watch out for:
- Burping
- Hiccups
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Choking or gagging
- Stomach pain
Changes in your child’s lifestyle, such as not eating for a few hours before night, might help alleviate the symptoms.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition that attacks the lining of a child’s small intestine when they ingest gluten-containing food or beverages. Symptoms include the following:
- Stomachaches
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Celiac disease is prevalent in children whose parents or siblings have the condition.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the specific digestive condition your kid might be experiencing can be tricky as they have similar symptoms. Ensure to attend to your kid’s needs by acquiring children’s urgent care. With professional consultation and diagnostic techniques, you can alleviate stomach pain among your children and comfort them the best way possible.
Your Kid’s Urgent Care offers premium and convenient urgent care in Vestavia, AL. We serve as the intermediary between a child’s primary care physician and the Emergency Room. Contact us for your inquiries!
