What causes abdominal bloating in toddlers?
Nov 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Due to the immature development of intestinal function in young children, eating too quickly or swallowing excessive air can easily lead to a buildup of gas in the intestines, causing bloating, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or irritability. It is recommended to use medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple live bacteria tablets, Bacillus licheniformis live bacteria capsules, or Bacillus subtilis and bifidobacterium dual-live granules under medical guidance for relief.
In general, abdominal bloating in young children may be caused by factors such as indigestion, lactose intolerance, intestinal gas, hypokalemia, or gastroenteritis. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Indigestion
Young children have relatively weak digestive functions. Improper diet or overeating can easily lead to indigestion, resulting in excessive gas production and subsequent abdominal bloating. It is recommended to adjust the diet structure and avoid consuming too many gas-producing foods, such as legumes and carbonated beverages.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance refers to the deficiency of lactase—the enzyme needed to break down lactose—in a child's body. This leads to incomplete breakdown of lactose in the intestines, causing excessive gas production and bloating. It is recommended to reduce lactose intake and avoid lactose-containing foods such as milk and cheese.
3. Intestinal Gas Accumulation
Due to immature development of intestinal function in young children, eating too quickly or swallowing excessive air can easily cause accumulation of gas in the intestines, leading to bloating. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or irritability. Under medical guidance, medications such as Bifidobacterium quadruple live bacteria tablets, Bacillus licheniformis live bacteria capsules, or Bacillus subtilis bivalent live bacteria granules may be used for relief.
4. Hypokalemia
If young children lose excessive electrolytes due to vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes, hypokalemia (low potassium levels) may occur. Hypokalemia can slow intestinal motility, resulting in abdominal bloating. Common accompanying symptoms include limb weakness and arrhythmia. Under medical supervision, treatment may include medications such as potassium chloride sustained-release tablets, methimazole tablets, or potassium citrate granules.
5. Gastroenteritis
When a young child's gastrointestinal tract is infected by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, gastroenteritis may develop. The inflammatory response can cause bloating, often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as cefaclor dispersible tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or ganciclovir tablets.
In daily diets, young children should avoid spicy, raw, or cold foods to prevent bodily discomfort.
