How to deal with frequent abdominal pain in a child?
Abdominal pain in children is one of the most common complaints that parents deal with. It can have various causes – from minor digestive problems to more serious conditions that require medical consultation. Early recognition of symptoms and the use of appropriate methods can help relieve discomfort and improve the well-being of the little one.
The most common causes of abdominal pain in children
✔ Digestive problems – overeating, indigestion, gas.
✔ Viral and bacterial infections – can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
✔ Food allergies and intolerances – e.g. lactose intolerance or gluten allergy.
✔ Stress and emotional tension – children often experience stomach pain in stressful situations.
✔ Constipation – a common problem in children with insufficient fiber in their diet.
✔ Parasites – e.g. pinworms can cause abdominal pain and itching.
✔ Inflammatory diseases – e.g. appendicitis, which requires urgent medical intervention.
Abdominal pain in children - tips on how to help at home
✔ Get plenty of rest – sometimes short-term abdominal pain goes away with a moment of relaxation.
✔ Warm compress – helps relax abdominal muscles and relieve pain.
✔ Provide easily digestible meals – e.g. rusks, rice, bananas, so as not to burden the stomach.
✔ Proper hydration – drinking water and herbal teas such as chamomile or mint.
✔ Monitoring reactions to foods – eliminating products that may cause intolerance.
✔ Gentle abdominal massage – can help with bloating and gas build-up.
Abdominal pain in a child – when to see a doctor?
Some situations require urgent medical consultation. It is worth seeing a pediatrician if:
✔ The pain is very severe and does not go away.
✔ The child has a fever above 38°C.
✔ You have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours.
✔ The child complains of difficulty breathing.
✔ There is blood in the stool or vomit.
✔ The abdomen is hard and painful to the touch.
✔ Abdominal pain is recurrent and lasts several weeks.
Summary
A child has abdominal pain for various reasons, from minor to serious. It is worth using home remedies to relieve the pain, but if the symptoms do not go away or worsen, you should consult a doctor. Regular monitoring and a proper diet can help avoid common digestive problems and improve the child's quality of life.
