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How can you tell if it’s just a simple stomach ache or something more serious?

There comes a time when every parent hears these words from their child: “My stomach hurts.”

Most of the time, stomach ache in children goes away on its own, with simple tactics, such as a lighter diet, giving chamomile, etc. Sometimes, however, stomach pain can signal a more serious condition. How can you as a parent distinguish or even suspect this difference?

Here are 5 key tips for dealing with stomach pain in young children and teens, as well as advice on when to call your doctor or visit your doctor:

• When we refer to a “stomach flu,” we are referring to gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by a virus and can cause stomach pain in children. It usually presents as diarrhea with or without vomiting and possibly a low-grade fever. It should clear up in three to five days, without the need for medical intervention in most cases. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. You can visit your doctor or possibly the hospital emergency room if you notice blood in the stool or vomit, if your child’s symptoms last more than five days, if he has a high fever or there are signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, decreased urination, pale skin or lethargic behavior. All of these are signs that something more serious may be going on.
• Children may experience a burning sensation. We usually think of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an adult problem, but it is also common in children. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often difficult to detect, especially in very young children, but vomiting or regurgitation is a strong indicator. The same goes for complaints of a sour taste in the mouth, upper abdominal pain, and severe belching. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can usually be treated with antacids and, if necessary, H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. Dietary changes can also help. Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease should avoid acidic drinks, such as sodas, orange juice, tomato-based products, spicy foods, and medications, such as ibuprofen, that irritate the stomach.
• Constipation is a common cause of abdominal pain in children. Adding more fiber to your child’s diet (salads, broccoli, legumes, oats, kiwis) along with apple juice (preferably unsweetened/unsweetened) or prune juice can really help. Watch out for rectal bleeding, however, which could be a sign of something more serious. Long-term constipation problems can indicate other medical conditions, such as celiac disease, hypothyroidism, so you should see your doctor.
• Eight glasses of water a day is not a myth. Drinking plenty of fluids is important on a daily basis, and not just to keep children hydrated during gastroenteritis. Drinking enough fluids will help them have healthy bowel function. At least half of the fluids a child drinks should be water. Avoid sodas and other sugary drinks, including sugary/sweetened juices, flavored waters, and sports drinks. Too much sugar can actually cause abdominal pain — not to mention obesity and the long-term health problems associated with it.
• So you see, it may not always be a simple stomach ache. Most of the time, abdominal pain is nothing to worry about. However, parents should pay attention to its duration, as well as any other symptoms that may accompany it. Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen of a child is a sign of appendicitis and you should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, recurrent gastroenteritis could actually be a sign of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially if there is a positive family history of IBD. Long-term, recurring abdominal pain may be due to food allergy, celiac disease, parasitic infestation, or lactose intolerance.

In conclusion, when your child’s abdominal pain seems to be more serious, listen to your intuition as a parent — and don’t hesitate to contact his doctor and ask with further medical help and advice.