Common Causes For Stomach Pain In Children And When To Worry
02Sudden tummy ache without other symptoms
What it could be
Sudden abdominal pain that comes and goes for a few hours is usually a sign of one of two things: gas or an abrupt attack of constipation (which is more likely to cause chronic belly pain and can occur as the bowel squeezes to expel hardened poop). Crampy pain that occurs an hour or two after eating points to constipation.
What parents can do
If constipation seems likely, fluids, fibre and regular toilet habits may help. Some children may also need a stool-softening treatment, but it’s best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving a laxative, since the right product and dose depend on your child’s age and symptoms.
If constipation becomes persistent, try boosting fibre intake. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals containing at least four grams of fibre per serving, and veggies like baked sweet potatoes.
Pain relieved by impolite bodily noises implicates gas. There’s little you can do once the wind is underway, but figuring out which foods upset your child’s stomach may prevent future blow-ups (see Uncomfortable bouts of bloating and gas).
When to worry
Call your doctor if the pain lasts more than 24 hours, keeps getting worse, or comes with vomiting, fever, bloating, bloody stools or trouble peeing.
