Reasons for Chronic Stomach Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children is a common affliction. According to Alan Lake, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a third of children who complain of abdominal pain have symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. Symptoms of abdominal pain in a child may come and go, and be worrisome to a parent. There are various causes of a child's abdominal pain. However, if symptoms are persistent, do not abate after two weeks and are followed by infrequent bowel movements (such as not being able to have a bowel movement in more than five days), seek immediate medical attention.

Constipation

• According to Dr. Sears, who received his degree at Harvard Medical School, and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has studied pediatric medicine for more than 30 years, constipation is one of the most common causes of chronic abdominal pain. Constipation is common in children who are going through the process of potty training. Children who are not quite ready for the big potty, may refuse to use the restroom, and withold a bowel movement. As a result, stool can become backed up inside of the colon. A child may also be afraid to have a bowel movement due to being constipated, which will exacerbate the condition. A child is constipated when he is unable to pass a stool, has few bowel movements, has rabbit pellet-like stools or after having tried to have a bowel movement, has a large stool.

Intolerance and Allergies

• Children who are lactose intolerant or have milk protein allergies, may suffer from chronic abdominal pain. When you're lactose intolerant, your body is not able to digest lactose sugar. When you have a milk protein allergy, the body has an allergic reaction to the proteins within milk. Children who have these issues will complain of cramping, gas and diarrhea when done eating dairy (such as cheese or milk).

Intestinal Conditions

• Children can develop bacterial or viral issues within the stomach, such as a stomach virus. Symptoms of diarrhea and nausea are commonly mistaken as being a stomach flu, but it could actually be gastroenteritis. If a child has come down with a stomach virus, she will have chronic bouts of diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Behavioral

• According to Dr. Sears, some children may develop symptoms of chronic abdominal pain as a way of seeking attention. During situations of emotional stress, such as the arrival of a baby sibling, change of schools or moving, a child may develop stomach pain as a way of getting a parent to notice them.

Symptoms

• Children who exhibit true symptoms of abdominal pain can show you. Babies will cry without cessation, and children will often point to their tummies or curl up. If children experience pain for more than one day, or complain of pain on the lower right side, below the bellybutton, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of appendicitis. If a child looks pale, is sweating, begins to vomit or has diarrhea that lasts for more than three days, seek help.

Treatment

• There are a variety of ways you can help your child resolve his constipation. Sometimes a change in diet, such as adding more fruit and fiber can help. Fruits such as plums, apricots, pineapples and peaches are packed with fiber and are easy to give to your children in either fruit or juice form. Fluids are also important to give to your child if they have diarrhea, as dehydration can occur. If it is necessary to give your child medications to help aid their constipation, only use medications as advised by your doctor.