What should I do if my child has a stomachache?

Children often eat without restraint, so it's easy for them to experience stomach pain if proper care isn't taken. What should you do when your child has abdominal pain?

What to Do When a Child Has Abdominal Pain

There are many causes of stomach pain in children, including acute diffuse peritonitis, acute enteritis, gastritis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, intussusception, intestinal obstruction, volvulus, food poisoning, abdominal allergic purpura, abdominal epilepsy, chronic lead poisoning, organophosphorus poisoning, colds, unhygienic diets, overeating, and more. Parents should closely observe the severity of their child’s stomach pain—such as whether it is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, fever, severe pain, cold sweats, or lethargy—and seek medical attention promptly if any of these symptoms occur.

If the abdominal pain is caused by constipation, you may use glycerin suppositories (e.g., Kaisailu) or oral lactulose. Avoid using strong laxatives, as children’s bodies are delicate—using such medications without timely rehydration may lead to dehydration, endangering their health and even life. Parents should pay attention to their child’s diet, providing more high-fiber foods, fruits, and vegetables.

If abdominal pain is due to food allergies, stop consuming the suspected food immediately and visit a hospital to identify the allergen. Avoid eating those trigger foods in the future. If the pain results from psychological stress or emotional factors, parents should offer more guidance and help relieve the child’s anxiety—the abdominal discomfort will then subside. We hope this information helps. Wishing you good health and happiness.