Why Does My Child Frequently Complain of Stomachache?
When children frequently complain of abdominal pain, parents must pay attention. There are several reasons for abdominal pain in children, including physiological causes such as catching a cold, overeating, or excessive exercise leading to abdominal muscle injury. Additionally, depending on the child's age, it may also be related to intestinal parasites or certain diseases. Let's briefly understand what could be causing frequent abdominal pain in children.
1. Improper Diet: Children's gastrointestinal function is not fully developed, and eating too much can lead to indigestion and abdominal discomfort. When the food intake exceeds the capacity of the gastrointestinal tract, it can easily lead to intestinal spasms, causing abdominal pain. The main causes of intestinal spasms are improper diet, including high-fat foods such as chicken wings, fries, lamb skewers, grilled food, and fried foods, as well as cold foods like ice cream and iced water. Eating significantly more than usual can also cause intestinal spasms and abdominal pain. Mild intestinal spasms can be relieved by giving the child a clockwise abdominal massage, drinking hot water, or applying a hot compress. In severe cases, it is necessary to seek medical attention.
2. Intestinal Parasites: It is important to wash hands before eating and after using the toilet, and avoid eating raw food. Food for children should be thoroughly cooked. A stool test can be performed to check for the presence of parasite eggs. However, the possibility of this is actually quite low. With the improvement of living standards and hygiene conditions, the incidence of parasitic diseases has decreased. In general, if there are no pets in the home, the risk of children contracting parasites is relatively low.
3. Mesenteric Lymph Node Enlargement: Mesenteric lymph node enlargement refers to acute mesenteric lymphadenitis in the ileum and colon regions caused by upper respiratory infections. It is a common condition in children. It is generally believed that this condition can be caused by blood-borne infections of streptococcus or viruses after an upper respiratory infection (such as a cold), and it may also be related to intestinal inflammation and parasitic diseases. The condition is often seen in the terminal ileum (presenting with symptoms such as pain in the lower right abdomen and around the umbilicus). The lymph nodes become multiply congested and enlarged, and there may be a small amount of inflammatory fluid in the abdominal cavity. This condition is more common in children but less common in middle-aged and elderly individuals. It can be treated with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic medications. Preventive measures include enhancing the child's physical fitness, preventing colds, and avoiding eating cold, unhygienic, and indigestible food. Applying a hot compress or massage to the abdomen can also help relieve pain.
