What Causes Abdominal Pain in Children?

Abdominal pain in children can arise due to various reasons, and this condition can vary depending on the child's age, health status, and other factors. Common causes of abdominal pain include infections, gas entrapment, constipation, food allergies and intolerances, and serious illnesses such as appendicitis.

What are the Causes of Abdominal Pain in Children?

The causes of abdominal pain in children can develop due to various factors. These causes are generally examined in two groups as functional (non-organic) or organic (physiological or pathological). Additionally, age group, eating habits, environmental factors, and psychological factors can also affect the type and severity of pain.

Functional Abdominal Pain

Functional abdominal pains may be related to the child's lifestyle, eating patterns, or stress levels.

• Gas and Bloating: Can occur after eating quickly, consuming fizzy drinks, or consuming foods that are difficult to digest.

• Constipation: Consuming foods low in fiber, insufficient water intake, and lack of movement can lead to difficulty in defecation and abdominal pain in children.

• Irregular Eating: Irregular meal habits can cause stomach cramps.

Infection-Related Abdominal Pain

There are many types of infections that cause abdominal pain. These conditions usually occur along with other symptoms.

• Viral Gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

• Urinary Tract Infections: Can be seen with frequent urination, burning sensation, and fever.

• Throat Infections: In some cases, upper respiratory tract infections such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis can also cause abdominal pain.

Food Intolerance and Allergies

Conditions such as lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or food allergies can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. These types of pain are triggered after the consumption of a specific food group.

Causes Requiring Surgical Intervention

• Appendicitis: Can accompany pain in the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, and fever.

• Intussusception: The telescoping of the intestine can lead to sudden, severe, and intermittent pain.

• Inguinal Hernia: Manifests with swelling and pain in the abdomen, especially noticeable during severe crying or straining.

Psychologically-Originated Abdominal Pain

Stress, anxiety, and emotional tension in children can manifest with physical symptoms.

• School Phobia or Separation Anxiety: Abdominal pains seen in the morning should be carefully evaluated.

• Family Changes: Even if the child doesn't express this verbally, they can manifest it with physical symptoms.

Other Causes

• Parasitic Infections: Can occur along with nighttime itching and weight loss.

• Post-Trauma Abdominal Pain: Pain related to internal organ injuries can develop post-fall or collision.

• Gynecological Causes in Girls: Though rare in the pre-puberty period, conditions like ovarian cysts or torsion can lead to abdominal pain.

How is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed in Children?

Abdominal pain in children can be caused by many different reasons and it is important to accurately diagnose it. To determine the cause of abdominal pain, attention is first given to the child's age, symptoms, duration, and severity. A general evaluation is conducted by considering the child's health status, medical history, and eating habits.

In cases of short-term and self-resolving abdominal pain, usually, no diagnosis or treatment is necessary. However, if there is suspicion of different diseases in children, various diagnostic methods can be used to speed up the diagnosis of abdominal pain.

• Urine test, stool sample

• Blood test

• Abdominal ultrasound

• X-ray

Home Remedies for Children with Abdominal Pain?

Not every abdominal pain requires emergency intervention. Particularly for temporary pain related to the digestive system, you can help your child relax with some simple home remedies. However, these practices are only effective for mild and temporary pains; if the pain is severe or if there are other accompanying symptoms, a specialist should definitely be consulted.

Apply Warm Compress

A warm towel placed on the abdomen can relax the muscles and alleviate pain related to gas. Care should be taken to ensure that the temperature does not burn the skin during application.

Try Gas-Relieving Massages

Gentle clockwise massages on the abdomen can be soothing for children experiencing gas pain.

Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking plenty of water can help the digestive system function smoothly in cases of constipation and mild stomach discomfort. Sugary and carbonated drinks should be avoided.

Feed With Light Foods

Instead of fatty, spicy, or hard-to-digest foods, choose foods like soup, boiled potatoes, and bananas that do not burden the stomach.

Ensure Rest

It is important for a child with abdominal pain to get enough rest. Sleeping or lying down in a quiet environment can help reduce the pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common cause of abdominal pain in children?

Common causes include constipation, gas, and simple viral infections. These conditions are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

From what age can appendicitis pain be observed?

Appendicitis is more common in children aged 5 and above. However, although rare, it can also occur in the 2-4 age group and can be more challenging to diagnose.

How can abdominal pain be alleviated at home if it is not serious?

Methods such as increasing fluid intake, warm baths, gentle massage on the abdomen, and rest can be effective for mild abdominal pain. However, if the pain persists, medical evaluation should not be neglected.

What tests are conducted for persistent abdominal pain in children?

Blood and urine tests, stool examinations, and abdominal ultrasound are the most commonly used methods. If necessary, support from child gastroenterology or psychology may also be required.