"Mommy, my stomach hurts..." How often do we hear this story in our homes? This is very common for parents with young children. Sometimes it can be caused by eating too much, sometimes by playing too hard, and other times it can just be a stomach ache that goes away. But can all stomach problems be dismissed as simple as that? Sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious. So, today we'll talk about how we should look at a child's stomach ache and when it's time to see a doctor.
When is a stomach ache an emergency?
As a parent, it's normal to feel a little scared and worried when your child vomits, has diarrhea, or has an unexplained stomach ache. If you have any doubts, don't just ignore them. Trust your gut.
You know your child best, so if you have any concerns about your child's digestive system, don't hesitate to talk to your child's doctor.
5 signs that it's time to see a doctor
Most stomach upsets in children are minor and resolve quickly. However, sometimes we need to pay special attention. Here are 5 such cases and advice on when you should see a doctor.
1. Vomiting
There are many reasons why children vomit. For example, viral infections, motion sickness, food poisoning, fever, increased coughing, eating too much, being too happy or scared can cause vomiting. But sometimes vomiting can also be a symptom of serious conditions such as meningitis, appendicitis, or intestinal obstruction. Vomiting may also be accompanied by stomach pain, diarrhea, or fever.
| When to talk to your doctor | |
|---|---|
| Regarding vomiting |
|
| If you show signs of dehydration | |
2. Abdominal Pain
Stomach pain is a common symptom of many problems.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Food poisoning
- A viral infection of the stomach (Gastroenteritis)
- Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (Gastritis)
- Overeating
In addition to these common causes, stomach pain can also be caused by other conditions such as food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), appendicitis, and pneumonia.
When to see a doctor: If your child's stomach pain is very severe, or if it lasts for more than two weeks , be sure to talk to your doctor.
3. Constipation and Diarrhea
There are many reasons why children may become constipated. Things like stress during potty training, low fiber diet, lack of water and exercise, and certain medications can cause constipation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, pain during bowel movements, and fewer bowel movements than usual.
The most important thing is, if you see blood in your child's stool, call your doctor immediately.
Additionally, it is very important to inform your doctor if your child does not poop more than twice a day, if pooping is painful, or if it takes more effort than usual to poop.
4. Heartburn and reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common condition in young children, especially infants. Simply put, it is the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. It can be caused by a food allergy or a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Fortunately, this condition often resolves on its own as the child grows older. It can also be controlled by avoiding things like chocolate and fatty foods. However, there are times when GERD can be serious.
| Signs that GERD may be serious | |
|---|---|
| The child is not gaining weight properly. | Appetite |
| Vomiting green or yellow liquid | Chest or stomach pain |
| Difficulty breathing | Persistent cough |
| Frequent crying or restlessness | Difficulty swallowing food |
5. Food cravings and picky eating
Parents should also be aware of a child's picky eating and limited choice of foods. This can be a symptom of various digestive problems. For example, GERD may cause children to refuse to eat. Children may also refuse to eat because of things like the smell or texture of certain foods.
Additionally, picky eating can be a symptom of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. These are more common in young children, but can sometimes occur in children as young as 5 years old.
When to see a doctor: It is very important to seek medical advice if your child is not gaining weight properly, is vomiting or nauseous when eating certain foods, or has heartburn or stomach pain after eating.
Other digestive system diseases to watch out for
In addition to the things discussed above, there are several other medical conditions that can cause digestive system problems in children.
- Celiac disease
- Bowel obstruction
- Congenital intestinal or liver problems
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatitis
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
Children can't always express exactly what they're feeling in words. So, whether the symptoms are minor, sudden, or long-lasting, if you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor without delay. It's the best thing you can do for your child.
Take-Home Message
- Most stomach upsets in children are normal and go away quickly. However, as a parent, it's important to always be on the lookout for changes in your child.
- Parental instinct is very strong. If you have any concerns about your child, don't ignore them.
- Consider blood in the vomit or stool, severe or persistent stomach pain, signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dry lips), and poor weight gain as warning signs .
- Never hesitate to talk to your doctor about any minor concerns regarding your child's health.
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