Ravina Sewani

Dr Aliraza Khunt

Palak Vyas

Stomach aches are of two types: Pathological and Functional. Pathological stomach aches have medical reasons behind it whereas functional stomach aches are mostly due to stress. Pathological Stomach ache: In pathological stomach ache, the child will also have other symptoms like severe fever, huge swollen belly, vomiting, problems in urine and stool. Here child is actually sick. Here the doctor can ask to get some blood work or urine stool reports done.Ultra scan of abdomen&nbsp;may be required. Such severe cases are generally not very common.<ul><li>From the history of your child, the doctor will be able to identify whether the child is suffering from functional pain or not. This kind of pain has a long history like it occurs over 15 days, 2 months, or so. Normally these types of pain are not considered severe. There is no particular reason behind it. There will be no pathological sign or symptom apart from pain.</li></ul> <ul><li>Sometimes constipation also leads to stomach ache: Constipation is again one of the major reasons behind child’s stomach pain. Generally after half an hour of the first food in the morning the child can get nature’s call. Now, when the child gets up, the mum is ready with a cup of milk and hurries up to get him/her ready for school. In that situation the child feels the stress causing him pain. There is no time to attend nature’s call and (s)he has to leave for school. When the child reaches school either the toilets are dirty or the teacher doesn’t allow the child to go. So to avoid these, the child suppresses his/her natural urge to go to the toilet and hence develops constipation. When (s)he gets back home there is no natural urge and constipation increases. Here, the doctor needs to check for constipation as a reason of stomach ache.</li></ul> <ul><li>Stomach ache and stomach worms: Stomach worms could also be one of the reasons of stomach ache. Children above one year up to the age of 12 years need to be given stomach worm medication after every six months even if there is no pain.</li></ul> Functional Stomach aches: The child can experience functional stomach pain due to stress. When the child experiences stress, certain chemicals are released in the stomach which can lead to stomach pain. So remember, when a child is complaining about stomach ache, (s)he is not lying or making things up. Situations under which child can experience stress and can complain of stomach ache:<ul><li>When a child has just woken up and (s)he sees his mom with a glass of milk.</li><li>When the child is trying to finish school work and the school bus arrives.</li><li>When the teacher scolds him/her in the school.</li><li>When other kids bully him/her in the school.</li><li>Sometimes there is sibling rivalry when you compare two children in the same house which can also lead to some stress resulting.</li><li>Ultimately all the stress in the body gets out in the form of stomach pain. So the child feels like avoiding school and any such situation which are uncomfortable for him/her. When the child is rescued from such situation or distracted, this pain is also relieved.</li><li>One thing that is important here is that how a parent treats the child during situations of stress. If the parent starts giving special treatments or pampers the child by allowing them to stay home after stomach ache complaints or if they say it is okay not to work, the child would know for sure that anytime (s)he doesn’t want to work or don’t want to do a thing (s)he can use this excuse of stomach pain.</li><li>Parents can instead, talk to the child, understand the problem and find out the reason behind stress. You can help your child calm down and explain to them that you are there for them if anything goes wrong.</li><li>Give some time to your child to accept changes and you will be good to go.</li></ul> Causes:<ul><li>Stress</li><li>Food intolerance</li><li>Food alergy</li><li>Injury</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Appendictis</li><li>Gas</li><li>Colic</li></ul> Symptoms of Stomach ache:<ul><li>Acts fussy or grumpy</li><li>Doesn’t sleep or eat</li><li>Cries more than usual</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Trouble being still (squirming or tensing up muscles)</li><li>Makes faces that show pain (squeezing eyes shut, grimacing)</li></ul> Diagnosis: Your child's doctor will first examine your child, take his/her medical history, and maybe do some tests. Treatment:<ul><li>The child’s lifestyle has to be improved.</li><li>Parents should check that the child is stress free.</li><li>Give the child suitable and balanced diet.</li><li>Avoid giving outside food or junk food from hotels and restaurants.</li><li>Parents should keep house atmosphere pleasant.</li><li>Gentle behaviour from parents can improve this condition.</li><li>If the stomach ache is followed by vomiting or diarrhea, it is better to consult a paediatrician.</li><li>The doctor may suggest some medicine or might give special instructions on eating to help with the bellyache.</li><li>If stress is the reason of stomach problems, the doctor may recommend a specialist, such as a psychologist.</li><li>If your child's stomach ache turns out to be due to appendicitis, an operation called an appendectomy needs to be performed.</li></ul> Prevention:<ul><li>Avoid overeating.</li><li>Give fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables to your child, so that the bowel movements are regular.</li><li>Give lots of fluids, especially water to your child.</li><li>Wash hands before eating.</li><li>Avoid eating right before bedtime.</li><li>Lots of sleep.</li></ul>

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