Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common complaint in children and can range from mild and temporary to more serious conditions that require medical attention. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children refers to discomfort or pain in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions, from simple indigestion to infections or more serious surgical issues.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

1. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
   • Often caused by viruses
   • Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cramping
   • Usually self-limiting in a few days
2. Constipation
   • Common in children with low fiber intake or poor toilet habits
   • Symptoms: Infrequent, hard stools; bloating; pain relieved after bowel movement
3. Indigestion or Gas
   • Often due to overeating or eating spicy/junk foods
   • Mild, crampy pain
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
   • Especially in girls
   • Symptoms: Painful urination, urgency, lower abdominal pain, fever
5. Appendicitis(Emergency)
   • Pain starts near the belly button, moves to lower right side
   • Symptoms: Severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, refusal to eat
   • Requires urgent medical attention
6. Food Intolerance or Allergies
   • Includes lactose intolerance, celiac disease
   • Symptoms: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, or discomfort after eating specific foods
7. Worm Infestation
   • Common in some regions
   • Symptoms: Itching around the anus, disturbed sleep, vague abdominal pain
8. Psychological Causes (Functional Abdominal Pain)
   • Often related to stress, anxiety, or school issues
   • Pain without physical cause, but very real for the child