What Should I Do If My Child Has a Stomachache?
Abdominal pain in children can be caused by indigestion, gastrointestinal infections, constipation, or even acute appendicitis. Parents need to judge the cause based on symptoms and take timely measures or send the child to the hospital. Mild pain can be resolved through observation and simple care, while severe or persistent pain requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Irregular eating habits or consuming too much difficult-to-digest or greasy food can easily lead to indigestion in children, which in turn causes abdominal pain. This is usually accompanied by postprandial discomfort or bloating. Parents can help children adjust their diet, such as eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Additionally, recommending that the child drink some warm water or applying a warm towel to the abdomen can promote digestion. If symptoms persist, common pediatric digestive enzymes like Lactasin can be used in moderation, but only as directed by a physician.
Viral or bacterial infections can also be major causes of abdominal pain in children, especially during summer or after consuming contaminated food. This pain may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Parents should first fast the child for 6 hours, provide warm water to prevent dehydration, and monitor for bloody stool or abnormal signs. If the situation is severe, such as showing signs of dehydration like dry and cracked lips or decreased urine output, the child should be taken to the hospital immediately for a doctor to assess the need for intravenous fluids or antibiotic treatment.
Inadequate intake of dietary fiber or insufficient water consumption in children may lead to constipation, causing abdominal pain, usually mild but recurrent. This can be regulated by supplementing dietary fiber, such as eating more fiber-rich foods like apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, while ensuring adequate daily water intake. If pain is significant and the child has not defecated for several days, consult a doctor about using child-appropriate medications such as glycerin suppositories or lactulose solution for relief.
If a child's abdominal pain suddenly intensifies, accompanied by persistent pain in the lower right abdomen, fever, and vomiting, be vigilant for the possibility of acute appendicitis. In such cases, immediate hospitalization is required as delay may lead to more serious consequences. Common treatment methods include antibiotic injection or laparoscopic appendectomy, which have minimal impact on health but the sooner treatment is initiated, the better. The causes of abdominal pain in children are diverse, and parents should judge whether medical attention is needed based on the nature, duration, and other accompanying symptoms of the pain. If the pain is mild, it can be relieved through dietary adjustments, observation, or simple care; if the pain is severe or accompanied by high fever, vomiting, etc., consult a doctor or seek medical examination promptly. Timely and accurate judgment and treatment contribute to ensuring the child's health.
