At some point in their lives, most children will experience abdominal discomfort. While some tummy troubles may be brief, such as those caused by the stomach flu, frequent stomach aches in a child can signal a more significant issue.
According to Dr. Dina Kulik, a pediatrician affiliated with the University of Toronto and the founder of Kidcrew Medical, chronic abdominal pain in children can stem from various factors, with constipation being the most prevalent cause.
Dr. Kulik emphasizes that children should ideally have a bowel movement daily. She explains, “The way I advise families is that the stool should be soft, comparable to peanut butter, and should be expelled easily, taking less than five minutes.”
What other factors could be contributing to abdominal pain?
While constipation is the leading cause, other less frequent reasons for persistent abdominal pain in children can include:
- gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers and heartburn
- food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease associated with gluten
- abdominal muscle strain
- inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
When should you seek medical attention?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if your child experiences ongoing or frequently recurring abdominal pain, especially if they are missing school, relying on pain relief medications, having trouble sleeping, or struggling to eat or drink, notes Dr. Kulik.
Additionally, remain vigilant for these troubling signs:
- intense or sharp abdominal pain
- unexplained weight loss
- presence of blood in stool
- fever, rashes, joint pain, or other health indicators
Your pediatrician will inquire about your child’s symptoms, perform a physical exam, and might suggest bloodwork, stool analyses, or imaging diagnostic tests.
Soothing remedies for tummy troubles
Here are some safe drinks and supplements that can help alleviate stomach discomfort for kids:
- ginger in tea or root form to alleviate nausea and upset stomach
- peppermint oil or tea can aid in reducing cramping associated with conditions like IBS
- chamomile tea is effective for soothing upset stomach and diarrhea
- electrolyte beverages to replenish fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea
- probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or kefir to assist with abdominal pain, particularly from IBS
- bone broth, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit those with conditions like IBS and ulcerative colitis
Could stress be the underlying cause of the pain?
If medical evaluations reveal no serious issues and symptoms like weight loss are absent, your child may be experiencing “functional abdominal pain,” which refers to pain that isn’t linked to a clear medical condition.
This pain, while very real to the child, is not due to a life-threatening condition. Research suggests that it may result from the gut becoming overly sensitive to typical triggers, including stress, indigestion, or bloating. Functional abdominal pain affects about one in every seven kids, showing a propensity toward girls and those facing anxiety.
Dr. Kulik highlights, “Many children experiencing anxiety or emotional difficulties report chronic abdominal discomfort, despite no discernable problems found during physical assessments or medical tests.”
This discomfort might be localized around the navel, spread throughout the abdomen, or shift locations. It can be persistent or vary in intensity, often accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, or fatigue.
Guiding your child toward relief
To alleviate constipation, Dr. Kulik recommends increasing water intake and dietary fiber. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is beneficial.
However, she cautions that children without a history of constipation should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as there could be additional factors at play.
Treatment for functional abdominal pain should be customized to suit your child’s specific circumstances, with a key focus on helping them regain their normal routines, such as attending school, socializing, and eating balanced meals.
Additionally, addressing coping strategies for the pain and related stressors is essential; practices like yoga or mindfulness meditation could be beneficial.
Your pediatrician may also recommend consulting a mental health professional, like a psychologist, to create a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include cognitive behavior therapy or family counseling.
Natural options like peppermint oil may provide relief from gut spasms, while probiotics containing “beneficial bacteria” might help reduce discomfort in children diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consult your child’s healthcare provider prior to introducing probiotics.
To help prevent stress-induced abdominal pain, maintaining a strong social support system, ensuring adequate sleep, and promoting regular physical activity can significantly contribute to a child’s mental well-being, advises Dr. Kulik.
The gut-brain connection
The walls of your gastrointestinal tract contain millions of nerve cells, often referred to as the “second brain,” or enteric nervous system. This system communicates with the brain in your head, helping to explain why emotional changes can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
This article first appeared in the August 2024 issue of up7op magazine.
