Common Causes For Stomach Pain In Children And When To Worry
04Pain on the right side with a low-grade fever
What it could be
Appendicitis can mimic a garden-variety stomach virus, with loss of appetite, vomiting and soreness starting near the belly button, then moving to the lower right side. According to David Sigalet, Chief of Surgery at Sidra Medical and Research Center in Doha, Qatar, appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a hollow tube, becomes blocked or swollen and mucous and bacteria build up, eventually creating an abscess.
It typically takes about 48 hours after noticing the first symptoms for a serious infection to develop and four to five days for an abscess to form.
What parents can do
Seek medical care promptly if appendicitis seems possible. Until your child is assessed, avoid giving food, drink or pain medicine unless a clinician tells you otherwise.
Making the call can be tough, so here’s a hint: Movement makes the pain worse, so your child may walk hunched over or grimace if her bed is bumped. If all signs point to appendicitis, seek medical attention early; appendicitis requires surgery to remove the organ. Meanwhile, avoid giving pain medication, but a warm water bottle and lying in a fetal position will make your child more comfortable.
When to worry
Don’t wait if the pain is getting worse, your child is hunched over, movement makes the pain sharper, or the abdomen becomes very tender.
