Why does a child have stomach pain if their stool routine test is normal?

Generally, stomach pain refers to abdominal pain. In children, abdominal pain with normal routine stool tests is mainly caused by gastrointestinal sensitivity during growth and development, stress, indigestion, lactose intolerance, intestinal spasms, and other related factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Sensitivity During Growth and Development

During the developmental stage, children's digestive systems are not yet fully mature, making them sensitive to certain components in food, which may cause abdominal pain. Adjusting dietary structure, avoiding excessive consumption of hard-to-digest foods, and increasing fiber intake are recommended.

2. Stress

Children often experience emotional fluctuations, and stress or anxiety may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing abdominal pain. Paying attention to children's emotional changes, providing emotional support, and creating a relaxed family atmosphere are helpful.

3. Indigestion

Overeating, excessive consumption of snacks, and lack of physical activity are major causes of indigestion. Indigestion can lead to incomplete digestion of food in the intestines after eating, producing excessive gas and acidic substances that irritate the intestinal mucosa, resulting in abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by bloating and poor appetite. Treatment may require medications such as healthy-stomach digestive tablets (Jianwei Xiaoshi Pian), hawthorn pills (Shanzha Wan), and Zhishi Daozhi Pills, as directed by a physician.

4. Lactose Intolerance

Some children lack sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort and abdominal pain after consuming lactose-containing foods, which may be accompanied by bloating and increased flatulence. It is recommended to take medications such as lactase capsules, montmorillonite powder (Mengtuo Shi San), and live bacterial preparations like Bacillus licheniformis (Diyi Yimucao Jun Granules) as directed by a physician.

5. Intestinal Spasms

Intestinal spasms may be caused by intestinal irritation or dysfunction of the intestinal nervous system. Uncoordinated contractions of the intestinal muscles in children often manifest as intermittent abdominal pain, and routine stool tests may appear normal. Symptoms may also include nausea and vomiting. Under the guidance of a qualified physician, medications such as racemic anisodamine tablets (Xiaoyan Anisodamine Pian), atropine sulfate tablets, and belladonna mixture (Dianqie Heji) may be used for treatment.

Parents are advised to gently massage the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction around the navel, which can help stimulate gastrointestinal motility and relieve pain caused by intestinal spasms.