CHILDREN’S HEALTH: ACUTE STOMACHACHE
Symptoms
Sudden abdominal pain; cramping pain; diarrhea; vomiting
Home care
Apply mild heat to the abdomen.
Treat constipation by changing the child’s diet or with a glycerin suppository.
Precautions
- Do not try to relieve stomach pain by giving a laxative or placing ice on the stomach.
- If the stomach pain is accompanied by fever and painful urination, the child should see a doctor.
- If pain is accompanied by a fever and a cough, see a doctor.
- If any stomach pain persists or gets worse, consult a doctor.
- Severe, crampy stomach pain accompanied by blood or mucus in the stool requires a doctor’s attention.
- Be concerned if the stomach pain causes the child to bend forward while walking.
- Severe pain that follows injury to the abdomen or lower chest may indicate internal injury and requires a doctor’s attention.
The abdomen contains the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, urinary bladder, gall bladder, and organs of reproduction. Disease or injury involving any of these organs can cause abdominal pain and, consequently, a “stomachache” can test the diagnostic ability of a parent or a doctor. Fortunately, almost all stomachaches in children are caused by one of four problems: constipation; acute digestive tract upset (caused by viruses, bacteria, or improper diet); emotional stress; or urinary tract infection.
Other less frequent causes of a stomachache are appendicitis, pneumonia, infectious mononucleosis, and hepatitis.
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