Belly pain
Abdominal Pain in Children: When to Stay Calm and When to Be Alert
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms I encounter in my practice. The good news is that up to 90% of cases are not caused by serious conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize situations when it is necessary to see a doctor.
Warning signs that may indicate an acute abdominal emergency:
• Persistent abdominal pain that lasts continuously for more than 2–3 hours. Pain that comes in waves and alternates with relief is most often caused by intestinal cramps.
• Tender abdomen when touched. Try gently palpating your child's belly during play. If they don't react with pain, a serious problem is less likely.
• Relief posture. If your child lies still in one position and refuses to move, it may indicate severe pain. On the other hand, if the child is happily running around and playing, the abdominal pain may be a temporary reaction to stress from kindergarten or school.
• Pain that wakes the child from sleep.
• Loose stool with blood.
• Severely bloated abdomen, frequent vomiting, or absence of gas.
🛑 Important warning: If the cause of abdominal pain is unknown, never give your child painkillers. These may mask important symptoms and complicate proper diagnosis.
Chronic Abdominal Pain: What to Watch For
If abdominal pain persists over time, pay attention to the following warning signs:
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Long-term persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Recurrent pain that interrupts sleep
How You Can Help Your Child at Home
1. Keep a food and symptom diary for 2 weeks. Record everything your child eats and drinks each day. Also note the timing and intensity of pain on a scale from 0 to 10 (or use smiley faces for younger children), and whether the child had a bowel movement that day. Use the Bristol Stool Chart to mark the stool type.
2. Observe patterns: When does the pain occur? Morning before school, during weekends, on an empty stomach, after meals? Is it linked to specific foods, such as milk? Record these patterns in the diary.
3. Avoid drawing attention to the pain: Don't ask your child repeatedly if their tummy hurts. If it really does, you'll notice – they'll be tired, eat less, play less, or lie down more.
4. Try probiotics: Use them for at least one month (e.g. Probiofix, Biogaia).
5. Use the placebo effect: Tell your child that the medicine will definitely help – it can give them a sense of safety.
6. After completing the diary, try eliminating dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt, butter) for 2 weeks, especially if you suspect they may be related to the discomfort.
7. Consider deworming if your child is in frequent contact with animals.
8. Adjust the diet: Avoid heavy, fatty foods.
9. Pay attention to stool regularity – both frequency and consistency.
Psychosomatics: When the Belly Can't "Digest" Emotions
More than 90% of abdominal pain in children has a psychological origin. The abdominal area is highly sensitive to tension, fear, and stress. Even adults know that feeling – when something troubles us, we get a "knot in the stomach." Children who are unable to process emotions may express this as abdominal pain, especially before going to school or kindergarten.
We often encounter children who absorb their parents' anxiety. Family tension, overprotectiveness, or constant worry can lead to physical symptoms – typically pain around the navel. Sadness or depressive moods may show up as pain lower down in the area of the large intestine. In adulthood, these children often become so-called self-observers – people who constantly monitor their bodies and look for the causes of their ailments.
Conclusion
In most cases, it's nothing serious. But if you, as a parent, feel uncertain, it's always better to consult a pediatrician. The observations you make at home – when the pain starts, what the stool is like, whether your child is sleeping – are very valuable for the doctor. Your attentiveness can significantly contribute to an accurate diagnosis.