What Exactly Causes Abdominal Pain in Children
Apr 10, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Abdominal pain usually refers to stomachache. In most cases, abdominal pain in children may be caused by unhygienic diet, overeating, exposure of the abdomen to cold, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, or other reasons. Appropriate measures should be taken according to the specific situation. Parents should promptly take the child to the hospital for examination to determine the exact cause and receive proper treatment. Parents should pay close attention to their child's physical condition, especially if the child experiences abdominal pain.
Stomach pain usually refers to abdominal pain. In most cases, abdominal pain in children may be caused by unhygienic diet, overeating, cold abdomen, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, or other reasons. Appropriate management should be based on specific circumstances. Parents should promptly take the child to the hospital for examination to determine the exact cause and receive proper treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Unhygienic Diet
If a child consumes contaminated, spoiled, or tainted food, it may lead to bacterial growth and result in abdominal pain. It is recommended to immediately stop eating unclean food. Parents should also pay attention to dietary safety and hygiene, ensuring that food is clean and thoroughly cooked to promote good health.
2. Overeating
Consuming excessive amounts of food or beverages can cause overexpansion of the gastrointestinal tract and increased pressure, irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa and causing abdominal pain. Symptoms may be relieved by consuming foods such as hawthorn or lemon in moderation.
3. Cold Abdomen
A cold abdomen in children may cause blood vessel constriction and reduced blood flow, impairing normal digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract and leading to abdominal pain and muscle tension. Parents should promptly dress the child warmly and may apply a warm towel to the abdomen to relieve coldness and discomfort.
4. Indigestion
Disorders of the digestive system or poor digestion may delay gastric emptying and cause discomfort, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, indigestion, loss of appetite, belching, and abdominal discomfort. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as compound pepsin capsules, pediatric spleen-strengthening pills (Xiao'er Jianpi Wan), or Baohe Pills may be used to improve symptoms.
5. Acute Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis caused by viral, bacterial, or other pathogen infections leads to inflammatory reactions in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Under medical advice, medications such as roxithromycin granules, bismuth potassium citrate tablets, or enteritis relief granules may be administered.
Parents should monitor their child’s physical condition. If abdominal pain occurs, gentle clockwise abdominal massage may help alleviate symptoms.
