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How will parents know if it is something more serious?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms in children and one of the most common reasons for visiting the hospital emergency department or pediatrician. In most cases, it is not related to a serious illness and resolves with minor interventions (e.g. dietary changes) or without any intervention. Common causes of abdominal pain in children include infections (gastritis, gastroenteritis), some food poisoning, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux. In rarer cases, abdominal pain can be related to more serious conditions or life-threatening diseases.

What causes abdominal pain in my child? When should I worry?

Below are 5 reasons why a child may report stomach pain:

1. Viral gastrointestinal infection – gastroenteritis.
   This is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in children. It is usually caused by a virus. In these cases, the abdominal pain may be accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and/or fever, which tends to be low. The duration of the pain usually ranges from 3-5 days without requiring any special medical intervention. The exceptions are very young children and children with multiple episodes of vomiting who cannot take fluids.
   In which cases of children with gastroenteritis should a pediatrician be examined immediately?
   In cases where:
   – blood is observed in the child’s stool or vomit.
   – the child’s symptoms persist for more than five days.
   – the child has a high fever.
   – the child has signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, pale skin, lethargic behavior and reduced urine output.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
   Although gastroesophageal reflux disease tends to be considered an adult problem, it can also occur in children. Documenting the diagnosis is often difficult, especially in very young children, where symptoms are not easy to describe or are atypical.
   Symptoms that point to gastroesophageal reflux are: vomiting, a sour taste in the mouth, pain localized in the upper abdomen and belching. In most cases of infants with gastroesophageal reflux, the problem subsides over time and as the child grows and the digestive system matures. In some cases, appropriate medication can be used after a doctor’s recommendation. Dietary adjustments and the avoidance of foods that irritate the stomach such as orange juice, tomato-based products, hot and spicy foods also play a very important role. Finally, the frequent use of medications such as ibuprofen may be responsible for stomach irritation.
3. Constipation
   Constipation is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in children. It is usually associated with a diet low in fiber. Therefore, enriching the child’s diet with foods rich in fiber (such as fruits and vegetables) and increasing fluid intake usually corrects the problem. However, in persistent cases of constipation that does not subside with careful diet or in cases of children who experience rectal bleeding, evaluation by a pediatrician and possibly further testing is recommended.
4. Dehydration
   Consumption of the necessary amount of fluids is important, not only for maintaining adequate hydration in children but also for the proper functioning of the intestine. The largest amount of fluids a child receives should come from the consumption of water and not sugary juices or soft drinks. In fact, excessive sugar intake, in addition to obesity, can itself cause abdominal pain in a child.
5. Other, less common causes of abdominal pain
   Although most of the time, abdominal pain in children is not related to a serious illness, there are cases where parents should consult a pediatrician more immediately. The duration of the pain and the coexistence of other symptoms should be evaluated. Typically, sudden pain in the lower right abdomen of a child usually of school age or older, which persists and is accompanied by nausea or vomiting may be related to inflammation of the appendix (acute appendicitis) and needs to be checked.
   Also, recurrent abdominal pain may in some children be related to inflammatory bowel disease, especially if there is a family history of such diseases. In rarer cases, persistent abdominal pain may be attributed to irritable bowel syndrome, a food allergy, celiac disease, parasites, or indigestion lactose intolerance.