Stomach Pains in Children
Stomach pain in children is a common condition addressed by pediatricians, yet diagnosing the reasons for a "tummy ache" can many times prove to be a challenge. Possible reasons for stomach pains in children can be trivial causes such as gas, overeating or stress to more severe causes such as a stomach virus and even life-threatening causes such as an appendicitis. Overall, stomach pains in children usually improves within 24 hours and is easily treated at home.-
Causes
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Stomach pain in children can be the result of a bacterial or viral stomach infection, including the common stomach flu. Pain can also be the result of food-related issues such as food poisoning or food allergies. Children may also have overeaten or be experiencing excessive gas production due to the type of food eaten. Serious reasons for stomach pain may include poisoning from ingesting toxic substances like soap or cleaning products or possible overdose on vitamins or medications. If your child experiences chronic stomach pain, he may be experiencing an underlying medical condition such as an appendicitis or diabetes.
Testing
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If your child is experiencing chronic, consistent stomach pains, your pediatrician will evaluate your child for possible underlying medical conditions and complications. Your child is likely to undergo a thorough medical evaluation that may include a rectal examination to test for the presence of bleeding. Stool samples may be taken to test for the presence of blood, bacteria and parasites, and urine samples may be taken to analyze for cultures and urinalysis. Your pediatrician may also require imaging testing procedures such as ultrasounds, X-rays and CAT scans of the abdominal region. Further examination and evaluation from a pediatric gastroenterologist may be necessary to determine the cause of your child's stomach pain.
Home Treatment
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The best home treatment for a child experiencing stomach pain is plenty of rest until the pain has subsided. Try giving your child a heating pad to rest with, which may help your child relax and alleviate some of the pain. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your child is unable to keep fluids down, try giving her one to two ounces of fluid every 20 minutes, or try giving her ice chips or cubes to suck on. If your child has stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea, avoid giving her heavily carbonated drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices or coffee, which may further irritate diarrhea symptoms. Instead, offer her ginger ale, a warm soup broth or rehydration liquids such as Pedialyte. If your child is able to eat solid foods, keep her diet bland by offering rice, crackers, toast, bananas and applesauce.
Professional Treatment
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Children who have stomach pain that requires medical evaluation will be treated by their pediatrician or a gastroenterologist, according to testing results. Possible treatment may include directions for extensive home rest and an increase in liquids, along with a bland diet or possibly hospitalization and surgery for severe complications caused by stomach pains.
Considerations
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Diarrhea that accompanies severe stomach pain usually indicates a viral infection and is likely to last at least 72 hours. See your pediatrician immediately if your child is experiencing stomach pain and vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours. Stomach pain accompanied with fever does not necessarily indicate a severe problem but should be monitored closely.
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