Abdominal Pain
What is it?
Abdominal pain is pain located in area of the
stomach (abdomen), which is why it is frequently
called "stomachache." Abdominal pain in
babies less than three months old, accompanied by
fussy crying, is called colic.
Who gets it?
All children will experience abdominal pain at
some point in their lives.
What causes it?
There are many possible causes of abdominal
pain. In most cases, childhood abdominal pain is
caused by overeating, a build up of gas, or a
viral infection, called viral gastroenteritis or
stomach flu. Abdominal pain is also often caused
by stress. Teenage girls who have begun
menstruating frequently experience abdominal pain,
called cramps, during their period. When
stomachaches occur frequently, it is referred to
as recurrent abdominal pain. This type of pain can
have many causes and should always be referred to
a doctor. Common causes of recurrent abdominal
pain include constipation, irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and
carbohydrate malabsorption. Kidney or bladder
infections and appendicitis can also cause
abdominal pain.
What are the symptoms?
Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe,
and can last anywhere from a few minutes to days,
depending upon the cause. When the pain is caused
by a stomach flu, it is accompanied by nausea,
vomiting, and often diarrhea. If your child's
abdominal pain is caused by stress and worry, he
or she may describe a dull pain deep in the
stomach, often around the belly button. Abdominal
pain caused by a bladder or kidney infection is
accompanied by pain during urination. A child with
appendicitis will complain of sharp, severe pain,
usually accompanied by vomiting of a dark
substance called bile. Children with carbohydrate
malabsorption will have symptoms that include
bloating, flatulence, and loose stools. Stomach
pain caused by a more serious condition is severe
and/or constant, and is often accompanied by
fever.
How is it diagnosed?
It is often difficult to diagnose the cause of
abdominal pain in young children because they may
have difficulty describing the pain. For this
reason, doctors rely on the child's primary
caregiver to give a complete history of the
child's condition. Your doctor will want to know
about any history of fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
constipation, rectal bleeding, growth failure, or
rashes. He or she will perform a thorough physical
examination, especially concentrating on the area
where your child is experiencing the pain. If your
child has recurrent abdominal pain, your doctor
will perform a rectal and stool examination, and
take a blood sample for testing. He or she will
check your child's liver and spleen for size and
any tenderness. If the doctor suspects
carbohydrate malabsorption , he will perform a
breath test. Menstruating girls with recurring
abdominal pain should have regular pelvic exams.
What is the treatment?
Like the symptoms, treatment of abdominal pain
depends upon the cause. For most cases of
abdominal pain in children, rest and a diet of
clear fluids are all that is needed to treat the
pain. If your child is constipated, you can
encourage him or her to sit on the toilet and
relax to try to pass a bowel movement. It is
extremely important to not use medications such as
laxatives, enemas, or those to stop diarrhea
unless your doctor has recommended it. If your
child's abdominal pain is caused by stress, your
doctor will suggest ways to ease the stress. These
might include learning to recognize situations
that trigger stress; ways to cope with stress,
such as relaxation exercises; and psychotherapy.
It's important to keep the worried child on a
consistent daily schedule. Allowing the child to
skip school or avoid normal daily activities
because of stomach pain will only make the
situation worse. If your child has recurring
abdominal pain caused by a chronic or serious
condition, your doctor will recommend a treatment
plan specific to that condition. Abdominal pain
caused by appendicitis is treated successfully by
surgically removing the appendix.
Self-care tips
Never dismiss recurrent abdominal pain as
psychological. While most abdominal pain caused by
indigestion or flu can be treated with diet and
rest, always call your doctor when stomach pain is
accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if
the pain worsens steadily, is severe, or is
recurring.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
