What causes dizziness, stomach pain, and nausea in children?
Jun 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, dizziness, abdominal pain, and nausea in children may be caused by improper diet, lack of sleep, hypoglycemia, iron-deficiency anemia, gastroenteritis, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general care and medication may be needed. It is recommended to implement appropriate fasting to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, while providing small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration and help alleviate symptoms.
Generally speaking, a stomachache refers to abdominal pain. Dizziness, abdominal pain, and nausea in children may be caused by improper diet, lack of sleep, hypoglycemia, iron deficiency anemia, gastroenteritis, or other factors. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Eating either too much or too little can potentially cause abnormal gastrointestinal stimulation in children. Overeating easily increases the burden on the gastrointestinal system, causing abdominal pain. Conversely, eating too little may lead to malnutrition, concentrating blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract and reducing cerebral blood supply, which may cause dizziness and nausea. It is recommended to adjust eating habits and avoid overeating or excessive dieting.
2. Lack of Sleep
When children lack sleep or have poor sleep quality, it can affect normal metabolism and immune function, leaving the body in a sub-healthy state. This can easily lead to symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, and nausea, possibly accompanied by fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment.
3. Hypoglycemia
Inadequate food intake in children may lead to hypoglycemia. When this occurs, the brain cannot obtain sufficient glucose as an energy source, impairing brain function and causing symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. It may also be accompanied by symptoms of sympathetic nervous system excitation, such as sweating, palpitations, and anxiety. It is recommended to use medications such as glucose sodium chloride injection, hydrocortisone tablets, and mannitol injection according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms.
4. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron in children's bodies, leading to anemia. Anemia reduces blood oxygen levels, affecting cerebral blood supply and causing dizziness. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia may affect normal gastrointestinal function, leading to abdominal pain and nausea. Symptoms may also include pale complexion, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is recommended to use medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, iron dextran tablets, and iron sucrose injection according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms.
5. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, commonly seen in children. During gastroenteritis, pathogens and their toxins irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering an inflammatory response that disrupts gastrointestinal function. Symptoms include gastrointestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, possibly accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. It is recommended to use medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, bismuth potassium citrate tablets, and enteritis-relieving granules under medical guidance.
It is recommended to implement appropriate fasting for the child to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal system. During this period, small amounts of water can be given frequently to prevent dehydration, which can help alleviate symptoms.
