What causes abdominal pain around the navel in children?

In general, abdominal pain around the navel in children may be caused by immature intestinal function, cold abdomen, acute gastroenteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, or ascariasis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Immature Intestinal Function

Children's intestinal functions have not yet fully developed, resulting in relatively weak intestinal motility and regulation. This may lead to intermittent pain around the navel. At home, pay attention to diet by avoiding greasy, spicy, raw, or cold foods, maintain a balanced diet, and perform gentle abdominal massage to promote intestinal motility and relieve pain.

2. Cold Abdomen

When a child's abdomen is exposed to cold, it may trigger intestinal spasms, causing pain around the navel, possibly accompanied by diarrhea or mild vomiting. Usually no specific treatment is required. Applying a warm towel or hot water bottle to the abdomen, drinking warm water, and avoiding raw or cold foods can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Acute Gastroenteritis

Caused by bacterial or viral infections or food poisoning, this condition often presents with periumbilical pain, possibly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It is important to replenish fluids appropriately to prevent dehydration. Medications such as Houercuan anti-inflammatory granules, amoxicillin granules, or gentamicin sulfate granules may be used as directed by a doctor.

4. Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

This occurs when mesenteric lymph nodes are infected by bacteria or viruses, leading to pain around the navel, possibly accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Treatment may include medications prescribed by a doctor, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, cefaclor granules, or pediatric Qingrening granules.

5. Ascariasis (Roundworm Infection)

Caused by parasitic roundworms residing in the intestines. Besides periumbilical pain, symptoms may include poor appetite, teeth grinding at night, and anal itching. Treatment involves antiparasitic medications such as levamisole hydrochloride granules, piperazine phosphate candy tablets, or Xiaokang granules, taken as directed by a physician.

To protect children's health, parents should emphasize balanced and hygienic diets, avoid raw and cold foods, reduce the risk of abdominal pain due to intestinal issues, and encourage good hygiene habits to lower the risk of infection.