Some children have occasional abdominal pain. What is causing the discomfort? Overeating, intestinal gas, constipation, intolerance to certain foods, intestinal infections, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, appendicitis - this is not a complete list. possible reasons... In some cases, abdominal pain does not have a distinct physiological cause.

As a rule, abdominal pain disappears after two to three hours. In some cases, however, the pain may persist for much longer.

When should you contact your doctor? If your child is experiencing severe pain, contact your pediatrician immediately. Also pay attention to the following symptoms:

• painful sensations continue in the child for more than two hours;
• pains are cramping and last more than 12 hours;
• abdominal pain occurs in the child regularly;
• the child has vomiting blood or bile;
• heat;
• blood in the stool.

In all these cases, you should immediately contact your pediatrician.

If your child is having stomach pains, have him lie down for 10-15 minutes. After a short rest, he will surely feel better. Sometimes a warm heating pad helps to relieve unpleasant symptoms. Give your child plenty of fluids and avoid rough, hard foods. Laxatives or enemas can only be prescribed to a child by the attending physician.

Abdominal pain can be indicated by the child himself, or the pain can be inferred from gestures, facial expressions and verbal expressions, as well as, for example, with pronounced anxiety, screaming, pulling up the legs, bending the torso, sensitivity of the abdomen to touch. Than younger child, the less specific are the manifestations and localization of pain.

Causes of pain in a child

Acute abdominal pain:

• inflammatory causes:
  • gastroenteritis;
  • appendicitis;
  • mesenteric lymphadenitis;
  • peritonitis;
  • hepatitis;
  • pancreatitis;
• mechanical reasons:
  • invagination, volvulus;
  • strangulated hernia;
  • adhesive intestinal obstruction (mechanical intestinal obstruction due to the formation of connective tissue adhesions);
• acute constipation;
• urinary tract infections, kidney stones;
• adnexitis, torsion of the legs of the ovarian cyst, dysmenorrhea;
• vascular diseases, for example, Schönlein-Henoch purpura, thrombosis and embolism of the vessels of the mesentery, kidney and spleen;
• metabolic disorders such as diabetic ketoacidosis ("diabetic pseudoperitonitis");
• pneumonia, pleurisy.

Chronic abdominal pain:

When the pain is caused by acute appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix), the pain is usually located in the navel. Sometimes the pain extends to lower part abdominal cavity (the abdomen may feel soft to the touch). As a rule, in such cases, the child's temperature rises, vomiting begins. If your child develops symptoms of appendicitis, contact your pediatrician immediately. In such a situation, delay can result in serious complications.

Emotional stress associated with an unfavorable psychological climate at home or at school can sometimes cause abdominal pain. For a school-age child, such stresses are common. The cause of stress can be divorce or other family troubles, problems in relationships with peers, with teachers. Some children have abdominal pain in the morning, and this is most often due to nervous tension before the start of the school day. Such pains usually disappear within a day; if necessary, allow the child to stay at home. Try to identify the root cause of your emotional stress and address the problem as soon as possible.

Symptoms and signs of pain in a child

In young children the equivalent of abdominal pain are screaming, crying, anxiety, refusal to eat, a crouched posture with the legs brought to the stomach, impulsive movements of the legs ("legs twisting").

In preschool and junior school age abdominal pain often does not have a clear localization, most often, regardless of the punktum fiksum, the child localizes pain in the umbilical region.

Abdominal pain in children can be caused by both diseases of the abdominal organs and diseases of other organs and systems. Allocate abdominal pain, acute and recurrent.

When a child develops acute pain, first of all, it is necessary to exclude a number of diseases, united by the concept "Sharp kivot"... Such diseases include acute pathology of the abdominal organs, in which emergency surgical care is vital: acute appendicitis, perforated stomach or intestinal ulcer, peritonitis and so forth. Along with intense pain for the "acute abdomen" is characterized by a sharp deterioration in health, dry mouth, tachycardia, possibly an increase in body temperature.

During the examination, you should check the symptoms of peritoneal irritation: tension of the anterior abdominal wall, symptoms of Shchetkin-Blumerg, Rovzing, etc. In case of doubtful results, an urgent consultation with a surgeon is necessary, with positive symptoms - hospitalization in a surgical hospital.

Suddenly appearing paroxysmal pain in the abdomen, alternating with periods of relative well-being, gradually weakening against the background of the child's deteriorating well-being, suggest acute intestinal obstruction... It is necessary to find out if any food error preceded the onset of pain. When examining a child, attention should be paid to the presence of asymmetry of the abdomen, sometimes it is possible to palpate a painful cylindrical formation in the abdominal cavity, it is advisable to conduct a digital rectal examination. Detection after this test of blood on the glove allows you to diagnose intestinal intussusception... The child should be urgently admitted to a surgical hospital.

The appearance in the child of intense paroxysmal pain in the abdomen combined with symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction and detection on examination of a painful tense protrusion in the groin or in boys in the scrotum allows for a diagnosis infringement inguinal hernia ... The child must be urgently admitted to the surgical department.

If a child develops acute abdominal pain against the background of diarrhea, regurgitation, vomiting, fever and, often, signs of dehydration, one can think about the development acute intestinal infection (acute enterocolitis or gastroenterocolitis). It is necessary to conduct a scatological and bacteriological examination of feces, if oral rehydration is impossible or if dehydration is P-W degree - hospitalize the child in an infectious diseases hospital.

If a child develops acute abdominal pain along with fever, vomiting, upset stools, skin rashes, joint pain, it can be assumed yersiniosisor pseudotuberculosis... Bacteriological examination of feces, vomit is necessary, as well as serological examination serum at the 1st and 3rd week of the disease.

In children of the first months of life, attacks of anxiety are often found, manifested by screaming, straining, and reddening of the face. During an attack, regurgitation, bloating and tension of the abdominal muscles are noted. Seizures last from several minutes to 6-8 hours. After excluding the diagnosis of "acute abdomen", infectious pathology of the digestive tract, otitis media, hypertensive-hydroceal syndrome, the diagnosis of the so-called infant colic.

The causes of colic are considered spasms of different parts of the stomach and intestines against the background of perinatal encephalopathy, hyperexcitability syndrome, alimentary errors, food allergies, and inadequate child care. It is necessary to analyze with the parents the peculiarities of feeding and raising the child, perform a coprogram and inoculation of feces for dysbiosis, consult the child with a neurologist and gastroenterologist.

Acute abdominal pain sometimes occurs in children who are ill flu... It is necessary to take into account the epidemiological situation - to find out from the parents the presence of patients in the children's collective and the child's home environment. When examining a child, you should pay attention to the moderate severity of catarrhal phenomena in the nasopharynx, high body temperature, intoxication, sometimes arthralgia and hemorrhages. A child with this form of flu must be monitored over time, and sometimes hospitalized.

With acute abdominal pain combined with a high rise in body temperature, chills, sore throat when swallowing, signs of atypical sore throat, an increase lymph nodes, the appearance of difficulty in nasal breathing, on the 3-4th day of the disease, an increase in the liver and spleen should be thought about infectious mononucleosis.

A blood test can help in verifying the diagnosis - an increase in the number of monocytes, plasma cells, the appearance of atypical mononarslears is characteristic; immunochemical (ELISA) and molecular biological (PCR, RT-PCR) diagnostic methods. Hospitalization is advisable in severe cases.

In case of pain in the right hypochondrium, combined with nausea, vomiting, it is necessary to exclude viral hepatitis ... The parents should clarify the epidemiological history and find out the color of the child's stool and urine - light stools and darkening of urine are characteristic. On examination, pay attention to the color of the skin and mucous membranes, the presence of an increase and soreness of the liver. If the child has icterus of the sclera and skin or the examination reveals a significant (2 or more times) increase in the activity of transaminases in the blood serum (ALT, ACT), the child must be sent to the infectious diseases department.

Abdominal pain combined with a high body temperature and dysuric phenomena (frequent urination, restless urination) may indicate urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, or interstitial nephritis... It is necessary to appoint general analysis urine and urine culture for flora, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder... In the case of pronounced changes in the urinary syndrome, significant intoxication, hospitalization is possible.
In case of acute abdominal pain in combination with the appearance of edema, reduced urination, turbid urine, it can be assumed glomerulonephritisor lipoid nephrosis... It is necessary to do a general urine analysis, organize a record of the fluid drunk and allocated by the child, daily weighing, control blood pressure, and in the case of oliguria, severe edema, high proteinuria or hematuria - hospitalize the child in the somatic (preferably nephrological) department of the hospital.

The presence of a cough, rapid breathing in a child with abdominal pain, elevated temperature body suggests acute pleuropneumonia... Thorough physical examination of the lungs, complete blood count, and X-ray are required chest... In the presence of severe respiratory failure or pleurisy, the child needs to be hospitalized.

Acute abdominal pain in a febrile child who, during examination, reveals tachycardia, arrhythmia, expansion of the boundaries of cardiac dullness, deafness of heart sounds, murmur in the heart area, may be a symptom acute pericarditis... It is necessary to make the child an ECG, X-ray, echocardiography, complete blood count, determine C-reactive protein, sialic acids in the blood, consult him with a cardiologist, and if the diagnosis is confirmed, he should be hospitalized in the somatic (cardiology) department.

Acute abdominal pain in a child in combination with symmetrical papulo-hemorrhagic rashes On the skin (more often on the legs and feet), fever, sometimes with arthritis, allow you to think about hemorrhagic vasculitis... With a differential diagnostic purpose, it is advisable to check the child's endothelial tests ("pinch", "tourniquet", etc.), to make a blood test with the determination of platelets, duration of bleeding and coagulation. With a high activity of the process, the child should be sent to a somatic hospital.

The appearance in a patient with acute abdominal pains of a sharp odor of acetone from the mouth, progressive weakness, thirst, frequent urination (prliuria) gives reason to suspect a debut diabetes mellitus ... It is necessary to examine the content of sugar in urine and blood. In case of hyperglycemia and glucosuria, the child should be urgently hospitalized in the endocrinology department.

Repeated episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting in a child with gradually increasing muscle weakness, thirst, polyuria, anorexia may occur with chronic adrenal insufficiency... On examination, attention should be paid to the presence of hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially in folds and friction areas of clothing. It is advisable to analyze the pedigree. Detection of hyperkalemia and hyponatremia, a decrease in the excretion of 17-OCS and 17-KC in daily urine, ultrasound of the adrenal glands are of diagnostic value. Consultation of an endocrinologist is required.

In a child with recurrent abdominal pain, the presence of increased excitability, accelerated intellectual development, episodic arthralgias, periodic bouts of vomiting gives reason to think about neuroarthritic diathesis... It is advisable to clarify the family history ( urolithiasis disease, radiculitis, gout), assess the level of uric acid in the blood serum and urate in the urine, and during the period of vomiting, examine the urine for acetone and conduct a bacteriological study of vomit and feces.

If a child with recurrent abdominal pain has pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, swollen lymph nodes, bone tenderness, hemorrhagic manifestations should be excluded leukemiaor lymphogranulomatosis... A blood test should be done, including platelet and reticulocyte counts. It is advisable to conduct an ultrasound of the liver, spleen, para-aortic lymph nodes, chest x-ray (mediastinum). A study of the myelogram or morphology of a lymph node biopsy may be required - consultation with a hematologist is necessary, and if a diagnosis is probable, hospitalization in the hematology department.
Recurrent abdominal pain combined with heartburn, belching suggest gastroesophageal reflux disease or acute esophagitis... Esophagogastroscopy, prolonged pH-measurement or impedance measurement of the esophagus, consultation with a gastroenterologist are required.

The presence of episodic non-stereotypical recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, provoked by various triggers, in a child with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction allows one to suspect functional dyspepsia ... With the connection of abdominal pain with food intake, the presence of periods of exacerbations, burdened heredity and concomitant dyspeptic symptoms, one can assume gastritis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcer and duodenum... It is required to conduct EGDS with the study of the morphology of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, with the determination of Helicobacter pylori, the study of the secretory and motor function of the stomach (prolonged pH-metry, impedance measurement). It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist, in complicated cases - hospitalization.

Episodes of abdominal pain along with nausea, rumbling in the abdomen, and loose stools after eating dairy products suggest lactase deficiency... To confirm the diagnosis, a fecal pH test, an elimination-provocative test, and a lactose tolerance test are used.

With recurrent pain in the right hypochondrium associated with the intake of fried, fatty foods, sometimes accompanied by episodically discolored stools, it can be assumed dysfunction of the biliary tract, and in the presence of periods of exacerbations and the stubborn nature of the pain - chronic cholecystitis ... It is necessary to clarify the presence of a family history, when examining, pay attention to the color of the skin and sclera, the size and characteristics of the liver, and gallbladder symptoms. An ultrasound examination of the liver and gallbladder should be prescribed, the coprogram and signs of the activity of the inflammatory process should be evaluated, the composition of bile should be examined, giardiasis... When a child detects icterus of integuments, "liver signs" on the skin, an enlarged and thickened liver, one should think about chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver... It is necessary to additionally determine the activity of transaminases, bilirubin, protein fractions, alkaline phosphatase, markers of hepatitis viruses in the blood serum, and consult the child with an infectious disease specialist and a gastroenterologist.

With girdle or left subcostal pain, combined with unstable "fatty" stools, repeated vomiting, bloating, you can think about acuteor exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, reactive pancreatitis... The diagnosis can be confirmed by coprogram (type I steatorrhea), ultrasound of the pancreas, as well as by detecting an increase in amylase in the urine or amylase, lipase and trypsin in the blood serum. It is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist and, depending on the activity of the disease, hospitalization.

Recurrent abdominal pain in a child with growth retardation, underweight, and polyfecal matter suggest malabsorption. It is necessary to evaluate the coprogram, complete blood count. Examination of sweat electrolytes will eliminate cystic fibrosis... Determination of antigluten, antiendomysial antibodies and antibodies to tissue transglutaminase will help resolve the issue of the presence celiac diseasepreliminary, and the study of a biopsy of the mucous membrane small intestine - finally.

Recurrent abdominal pain can be caused by food allergies. At the same time, a burdened family history, the presence of other manifestations of atopy, and the connection of pain with certain foods are diagnostically significant. In terms of confirming the diagnosis - a general blood test (eosinophilia), a study of general and specific immunoglobulins E, scarification tests. It is possible to carry out an alimation-provocative test. It is advisable to consult an allergist.

Repeated abdominal pain, often of a spastic nature, combined with defecation disorder, induced mainly by psychoemotional factors, make it possible to think about irritable bowel syndrome... Verification of the diagnosis provides, along with the identification of autonomic dysfunction and psychoemotional instability, the exclusion of organic pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

My child often complains that his stomach hurts. Will hurt and pass. The pain is not very severe. What to do?

If the pain is not severe, does not increase and does not interfere with the child's normal life, then you have time to assess the situation. The pediatrician may ask some questions, so it is helpful to take a closer look at the child in advance to determine what is causing the pain.

• When did the pain start? A few days, weeks, or months ago?
• Is the pain severe? Is the child crying in pain?
• Where does it hurt? In the navel or lower right?
• How long does it hurt? Is there something that makes a child feel better or worse?
• Does the temperature rise, is there vomiting or diarrhea?
• Does pain interfere with sleeping at night or playing during the day?
• Does this only happen on days when you have to go to kindergarten, or at certain times of the day?
• What is the child's appetite?
• Is it related to a particular food or drink, such as dairy products? Or maybe after eating, the pain softens or becomes stronger?
• Is the child potty trained? Maybe the pain starts when he needs to poop?
• Does the baby poop every day? Is the stool hard or liquid? Many or few? Is there blood?
• Did the child have any strong experiences at home or in kindergarten, or a change of environment?
• Have you had any stomach or intestinal problems in your family?
• Maybe you recently took your child on a trip or has he dealt with pets?

These are just a few of the many questions a pediatrician can ask you. It is often helpful to keep a diary a few days before the visit (or even earlier) and bring it with you. The diary should record what the child ate and drank, when he had a stomach ache, what he did at that time, how long the stomach ached and, most importantly, how often he pooped and how it looked. Explain to the doctor exactly why you came (for example, abdominal pain at times for three months) so that he can give you extra time if necessary.

My child has a bad stomach ache. When to start sounding the alarm?

Babies, and often one-year-old or two-year-old children, cannot say that they have a stomach ache, and to determine that a child needs to see a doctor, they will have to work as a detective. The signs and symptoms below should be taken very seriously and may mean that your child needs medical attention.

Call your doctor or make an appointment immediately if you have any of the following.

• The child looks unhealthy.
• His stomach hurts badly (especially in the lower right).
• The pain gets worse.
• The pain does not stop for more than two hours.
• The belly is swollen or painful to touch.
• The child does not want to eat his favorite food.
• Incessant vomiting.
• Persistent diarrhea.
• Stool bloody, dark, or resembles grape jelly.
• The child hurts when he jumps (this, of course, applies to older children, not babies).
• Cannot walk or walk bent over (also applies to older children).

How to tell if abdominal pain is a sign of appendicitis?

Appendicitis can be difficult to determine even for doctors, especially in young children, and this is one of the reasons why, if a child has a stomach ache and at least one of the listed symptoms is observed, you need to immediately find out what is wrong. Typical signs and symptoms of appendicitis: The pain starts in the navel and after a few hours moves to the lower right abdomen. If you click on this area, the child cries or complains that he is in pain. In addition, the child may have a fever, vomiting, and he may refuse his favorite food. If you ask a child to jump, another symptom may appear: with appendicitis, most children (and adults) are painful to jump.

Young children may not always have expected signs and symptoms, especially if they are less than two years old. Call the doctor if your child has any of the symptoms listed in the answer to question 45 on the previous page, or if you fear it may be appendicitis. The doctor will examine the baby and may order some kind of tests, including ultrasound or computed tomography, to examine the appendix.

Patient observation

• stake and uniform or permanent;
• times of Day;
• pain interrupting sleep;
• connection with food intake;
• duration, localization.

General condition: satisfactory - unsatisfactory - severe, apathetic, the child cannot be distracted. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; time of the last chair. Abdomen: protruding, swollen; visible peristalsis. Fever, cardiovascular symptoms (pallor, tachycardia, cold sweat).

Gait (eg, limping with appendicitis) and position (eg, relaxed, flexed). Weight loss?

Dear friends, I invite you to a serious conversation about children's health. Every mother has heard from the child more than once that he has a stomach ache. Together with a professional physician Marina Talanina, I propose to understand the causes of the painful condition and its treatment.

What to do if a child has a stomach ache

Very often, mothers hear from their babies complaints that their tummies hurt. This, alas, happens in children at different times and at any age, starting from birth, so mothers need to be prepared to be able to take the necessary measures to help their child in time. After all, the health of her child depends on the knowledge and behavior of a woman.

Here, however, there are some difficulties, since the tummy of babies can hurt for completely different reasons. And if a mother is not a doctor, it is not easy for her to understand what to do in this situation: whether it is worth staying calm or urgently calling for medical help. In any case, if your baby is naughty and talks about abdominal pain, you should not panic in any case. What should mothers do if a child has a stomach ache?

First of all, you should calm down and take a closer look at your child, watch him, gently touch his tummy, ask some questions if his age already allows you to get feedback. You need to understand, at least approximately, what is happening with your son or daughter.

Causes of abdominal pain

Here are some common reasons abdominal pain in children:

As you can see, some of the above causes of pain require urgent medical attention. For example, acute poisoning or an attack of appendicitis. And in other cases, you can get by with a diet and taking some simple medicines that you may have already used if you previously had to deal with the problem of a sick tummy in children.

It is very important at the stage of making a decision on hospitalization to find out what kind of pain the child is experiencing. Abdominal pain can be completely different:

• blunt pain;
• sharp pain;
• cutting pain;
• it's a dull pain;
• cramping pain;
• it's a dull pain;
• throbbing pain;
• recurrent pain;
• constant pain;
• with recoil down the abdomen;
• with recoil up the abdomen;
• with a return to a part of the right hypochondrium;
• with a return to a part of the left hypochondrium;
• with kickback to the side.

Sharp and cutting constant growing pain in the abdomen, especially if it lasts more than 30 minutes, is a reason to call an ambulance for your baby immediately!

Also, the reason to call an ambulance will be:

• high temperature;
• multiple vomiting;
• cramps and sharp abdomen (symptoms worsen);
• diarrhea that does not stop for a long time;
• the presence of blood particles in feces and vomit;
• sunken eyes;
• intolerable moodiness and anxiety;
• fainting;
• the pain lasts 30 minutes or more.

Let's see why children of different ages can have tummy pains?

If a child has a stomach ache at 0-1 years old, the reasons for this may be the following:

• children's infancy is significant in that the newborn often has colic, which usually occurs 3 weeks after the birth of the baby, and can last up to three months of his life. Colic is called intestinal cramps, which are a consequence of the fact that the motor intestinal function is disturbed, and gases appear. The baby's tummy is bursting with pain sometimes for 8 hours in a row with short breaks. It has been noticed that male infants most often suffer from colic. Until now, no one has figured out the true cause of colic;
• often, colic in infancy is accompanied by constipation, which also brings a lot of concern to babies and their mothers;
• inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, unfortunately, also often appear in newborn babies. They are formed as a result of infections of bacterial origin or transferred rotovirus;
• if you have already started feeding your child, then intolerance to some foods can also cause pain in his tummy. A mother should carefully monitor these phenomena and respond in time by removing unwanted food from her baby's diet;
• umbilical hernia, which appears due to weak muscles in the navel and is a hole in the center of the abdominal muscles. A hernia manifests itself in the form of a protrusion of the navel, which can be easily noticed even by inexperienced parents.

How to calm a sick baby:

• first of all, take the baby in the arms;
• then stroke his tummy clockwise with your warm palm;
• then wait for the baby to burp, lifting it to an upright position;
• colic can be removed in a simple way: let the baby lie on the back, and at this time you bend his legs at the knees, press them to the tummy and straighten them again. This must be done several times;
• often, with colic, babies are given dill water, which can be purchased at pharmacies;
• a gas tube will help your baby to get rid of the bloated tummy. But you shouldn't use it often;
• for constipation, doctors usually prescribe glycerin candles and enemas to babies;
• mom can prevent colic with regular tummy massage, stroking the baby's navel clockwise;
• regularly do gymnastics with your baby;
• laying your baby on her tummy before each feed will also help prevent colic.

If a child has a stomach ache at 2-3 years old, the reasons for this may be the following:

At this age, you will no longer encounter colic in children, but digestive disorders of various kinds (for example, lack of enzymes) are possible, especially if you have already experienced them, gastritis or food poisoning. Moreover, babies are constantly pulling various objects unsuitable for this into their mouths.

But at this age, you can interview your child, and the chances of finding out the cause of a painful abdomen increase significantly. So, if a child has a stomach ache at this age, what can be done:

• do not give painkillers, otherwise you run the risk of knocking down the manifestations of pain and missing an unwanted disease;
• it is forbidden to warm the place of localization of unpleasant sensations with anything;
• it is better not to press on the place where the baby hurts;
• give the baby water to drink (1 teaspoon or tablespoon - depending on the age and desire of the child) every 7 minutes;
• vomit and feces (if diarrhea) is best collected in order to be able to carry out tests to determine the source of the disease.

If a child has a stomach ache at 3-5 years old, the reasons for this may be the following:

At this age, children often have appendicitis. It is worthwhile to be wary if a child's stomach hurts at the navel. However, most of all, the child experiences pain in the right side of the lower abdomen, since the appendix is \u200b\u200blocated there. What are the signs of this malaise:

• acute pain in the lower abdomen on the right;
• poor appetite;
• high temperature;
• you pressed the baby on the stomach, and then abruptly let go of the hand, and there was a sharp pain.

Appendicitis

With appendicitis, the baby needs an urgent surgeryso you need to call immediately ambulance.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is also a common disease in children of this age. Many babies now live with disorders of the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract of various kinds and of the pancreas - this is the result of such disorders.

Signs of pancreatitis:

• highly severe pain in the abdomen, which do not allow the child to make the simplest movements;
• nausea;
• vomiting.

Poisoning

Dangerous poisoning can also be accompanied by the above symptoms - if the child has a stomach ache and vomiting - with the addition high temperature... Remember that in any case, you need to stay calm so as not to scare your child. Ask the child about the time of the onset of pain, about its nature, touch the tummy, ask what he ate in kindergarten. Many people wonder if a child has a stomach ache, what to give? Again, it is better not to give anything until the ambulance arrives. It is better to give the medicine on your own when you know exactly what the baby has a problem, and you are already being observed by a doctor who has recommended you a treatment regimen for this disease.

If there is a suspicion of something serious, when your child has a stomach ache, call an ambulance, put the child to bed and give him a drink.

However, in case of suspected poisoning, make sure that the baby has not eaten anything harmful or dangerous. Try to keep the environment around your baby clean and safe. To do this, it is necessary to do wet cleaning more often, wash children's clothes with high-quality washing powder, for example, like the one produced by the manufacturer meine libe, and thoroughly iron the children's underwear.

If a child has a stomach ache at 6-8 years old, the reasons for this may be the following:

At this age, they make themselves felt chronic diseases, exacerbated, usually as a result of stress or a cold or viral illness. Poisoning also happens, despite the fact that the child is already accustomed to washing his hands. Poisoning can happen at school, if the food was of poor quality, or in a public place. If a child has a stomach ache and diarrhea, then most often, it is really poisoning. In case of poisoning, it is necessary to cleanse the body of poisons and toxins, and then restore the normal intestinal microflora.

If a child has a stomach ache in the stomach area, then this may be an exacerbation of gastritis. Schoolchildren often have a disturbed diet, and chronic ailments make themselves felt. Especially if the following symptoms are observed:

• bitter taste in the mouth;
• heartburn;
• belching;
• heaviness in the abdomen;
• discomfort in the abdomen after eating.

Visit your GP regularly to keep this condition under control and prevent the progression of the disease. Here I would especially like to talk about constipation, which becomes a big problem for children who are embarrassed or uncomfortable to go to the toilet "in large numbers" in public places. This leads to the fact that they suppress the desire to empty the intestines, and then at home they can no longer do it. So, for several days, some children still cannot go to the toilet. Do not ignore what is happening. Every child must necessarily walk "big" at least once a day. Otherwise, food rotting occurs in the intestines, and the resulting poisons are absorbed into the blood. As a result, the following conditions are observed in the child:

• the walls of the intestine (its mucous membrane) are damaged;
• deformation of the rectum occurs;
• possible internal bleeding, which you may not even be aware of;
• cracks in the anus appear;
• fatigue increases;
• there are constant headaches;
• sleep disturbances;
• appetite worsens;
• there are abdominal pain and vomiting;
• the temperature may rise;
• memory deteriorates;
• school performance declines.

As you can see, for the student, the above phenomena are extremely undesirable, since vigor and good concentration of attention for successful study are very important for him. Well, we also remind you that if a child has a stomach ache and a fever, then, of course, it is better to call a doctor.

If a child has a stomach ache at the age of 9 or older, the reasons for this may be the following:

If you have a son, pay attention to the fact that boys at this age and up to 14 years old have a high risk of appendicitis. However, it is worth remembering that this also happens with girls at this age. You should be wary if you see the following signs in your child:

• pain in the abdomen above under the spoon;
• then the pain goes down the abdomen on the right;
• the child draws his legs and lies on his right side;
• the child does not allow touching the stomach;
• high temperature;
• vomiting is possible.

Poisoning and attacks of gastritis, as well as the occurrence peptic ulcer stomach at this age are also possible.

So, what should you do if your child has a stomach ache:

• calm down;
• interview the baby (if possible) and / or think about why he may feel bad;
• follow a diet (exclude heavy foods from the diet: fatty, spicy, salty, smoked) - if you know that your child has chronic diseases;
• exclude foods that cause child intolerance and gas formation;
• call an ambulance if there are dangerous symptoms.

If you are sure that an ambulance is not needed when your child has a tummy ache, you should just calm the child down, take him on the arms or lay him down. Drink water at room temperature more often (you can offer chamomile decoctions) and give an anesthetic, which you should always have in your home medicine cabinet. These tools include:

• enterosgel;
• festal;
• espumisan;
• linnex;
• activated carbon (can be white);
• no-shpa.

If you took an ambulance for a child, then your actions are as follows:

• calm down yourself and calm the child;
• lay him down;
• collect all possible information about the causes of pain;
• in no case give any pain relievers or other medications;
• you can not warm the tummy with a heating pad;
• you can not give the child food and drinks;
• maintain the psychological state of the child in a normal state until the ambulance arrives.

See what Dr. Komarovsky says about what to do if a child has a stomach ache.

How to prevent baby stomach pain:

• follow a diet (exclude heavy foods from the diet: fatty, spicy, salty, smoked);
• feed your baby with exceptionally high quality and fresh food;
• give your baby small portions, avoiding overeating;
• exclude foods that cause child intolerance and gas formation.

If a child has a stomach ache several times a year, it cannot be ignored. You need to understand the reason, visit a doctor, be sure to undergo an examination, pass all the necessary tests and try to help your baby so that the pain does not recur.

Marina Talanina,

We invite you to watch a fascinating video on our video channel "Workshop on the Rainbow"

Reading 6 min. Views 607 Published 16.11.2018

Do you know what children most often complain about? There are many reasons why a child has a stomach ache, but how to determine when the situation is extremely dangerous?

Abdominal pain by age

Very young children announce their stomach problems with loud crying. Kids press their legs to him, their face may turn red. All these are the symptoms of gas workers - the main cause of abdominal pain in the first three months of life.

They are usually associated with the immaturity of the digestive system or inaccuracies in the mother's diet. The reason may be.

Will help relieve an attack:

• massage;
• a warm heating pad or a warmed-up diaper applied to the belly;
• special preparations;
• gas outlet tube.

Pain at any age can occur due to constipation, intestinal infections, and malnutrition. Consider the reasons why children often have stomach pains.

Constipation

This is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. Both infants and adolescents suffer from constipation.

Usually the problem is caused by power supply errors. In very young children, the gastrointestinal tract cannot cope with the introduced complementary foods, which leads to constipation.

Either special preparations containing enzymes prescribed by a pediatrician, or a change in the feeding regimen can help.

In older age, inadequate intake of fiber-rich foods - vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread - leads to difficulty with stool.

To solve the problem, the child's diet needs to be diversified with apples, prunes or dried apricots, and fermented milk products. The regular presence of hot dishes on the child's menu is important.

Overeating

If a child has a stomach ache, it may be due to overeating. Children under 6-7 years of age have poor control over the satiety process. It is important for adults not to be moved by the fact that a son or daughter is eating well and eating the third cutlet. It is better to explain to the kid that overeating is harmful.

Anxious parents and grandmothers should remember that children will not go hungry. If the baby wants to eat, he will ask. And it's not worth stuffing it forcibly, this will not only lead to stomach problems, but also to an eating disorder, compulsive overeating.

If the cause of abdominal pain is gluttony, it is necessary to give the child drugs such as Creon.

Allergy

Young children who are injected with cow's milk may be allergic to its protein. It is often accompanied by abdominal pain, rash, and changes in stool.

If the baby has no other cause for concern, exclude the product. It is better to replace it with hypoallergenic goat milk.

Appendicitis

Much more serious and dangerous cause... Inflammation of the appendix of the cecum is manifested by pain in the navel, which radiates under the ribs or in the right side. The child is lethargic, any movement causes pain. Most often, babies lie on their sides with their knees pulled up to their chest.

Painful sensations intensify with any touch to the abdomen. An attack of acute appendicitis may be accompanied by vomiting, stool disorder. Sometimes in children the temperature rises to 37.5, in rare cases to 38.5-39.

In such a situation, it is necessary to call an ambulance, you do not need to give the child antispasmodics or pain relievers, they will make it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.

Genitourinary tract infections

The main symptom will be cramps when urinating. But in some cases, there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Most often in the region of the bladder or radiating to the side. Boys may have painful sensations in the area of \u200b\u200bthe scrotum.

With such symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis.

Intestinal infection

Intestinal infections of unknown genesis are one of the common diagnoses that are given to young children in an infectious diseases hospital. They are understood as both bacterial and viral diseases.

The main symptoms will be vomiting and abdominal pain and fever. The child is weak, lethargic, refuses to eat.

As a rule, the disease manifests itself suddenly, the symptoms intensify on the rise. Any drink or food provokes new bouts of fountain-like vomiting or loose stools.

If you completely rule out poisoning. Then, before the doctor arrives, the child can be given sorbents (Smecta, Enterosgel) and antiviral drugs... Drugs like Enterofuril can help. They fight bacteria wide range actions.

You need to water the baby in small portions (a teaspoon), but often (every 10-15 minutes). It is necessary to call a local pediatrician or an ambulance to establish the exact cause of the disease.

Food poisoning

Its symptoms are similar to those of an intestinal infection. The difference is that the child quickly weakens, fainting is possible. Urgent medical attention is required.

A common cause of poisoning is expired food. It can be kefirs, yoghurts, curds. Stale or improperly stored cream cakes or cakes, cold meats.

The most severe mushroom poisoning. To upset stool, vomiting, neurotic symptoms are added - convulsions or hallucinations, a retarded state of consciousness.

Stress and emotional stress

This is one of the more subtle causes of abdominal cramps in a baby. Frequent quarrels at home, adaptation to kindergarten, difficulties in school - stress in a child's life is no less than in an adult.

The accumulated nervous tension can manifest itself as psychosomatic symptoms. It can range from pain in the abdomen and throat to fever and frequent bronchitis.

If you notice that your child's behavior has changed. He became sad, thoughtful, periodically complains of pain in the throat or stomach. Ask what is bothering him, try to calm and dispel anxiety.

When to call an ambulance

Abdominal discomfort can be a manifestation of colic, constipation, or nutritional problems. But in some cases, he talks about conditions that are life-threatening to the child.

What symptoms do you need to urgently go to the hospital??

• The pain is localized not only in the navel area.
• It lasts more than a day and has an increasing character.
• It is accompanied by a stool disorder of any kind, which lasts more than three days.
• Recurrent vomiting, especially yellow, dark green vomiting.
• In the child's stool there are impurities of blood, mucus.
• Fever, weakness, fainting.

If at least one of the listed signs is present, an ambulance should be called.

What diseases does abdominal pain indicate?

Regular complaints of abdominal cramps or pain in the navel, accompanied by constipation, can indicate liver, pancreas, or thyroid problems.

Often they hide behind gastroenterological problems - gastritis, gastroduodenitis and others.

You should especially be on your guard if there are no errors in the child's nutrition. In such a situation, it is necessary to contact the pediatrician for a referral for a full examination (tests, ultrasound).

How to help a child

If the pain is not caused by a serious illness, parents can relieve the attack themselves. Before treating, it is worth finding out the cause.

Check with your child when the last stool was taken to rule out constipation. Find out what he ate during the day.

• Adjust the diet, introduce more fiber.
• Give more to drink, increase the amount of water consumed up to 1-2 liters, depending on age.
• If necessary, give laxatives or fermetric preparations to speed up digestion.

A warm heating pad can be placed on the stomach if completely excluded inflammatory processes... Since it can aggravate the child's condition.

It is important if the pain recurs regularly, you do not need to self-medicate, so you will only harm the baby. It is better to seek advice from a pediatrician, and then narrow specialists.

Conclusion

There are many reasons for abdominal pain in children. It is important for parents not to panic, but to carefully assess the condition of the child. If necessary, call an ambulance or contact your local doctor.

How often does your baby complain of stomach pains? What are you doing?

Write, the Its Kids team is waiting for your comments.

Unpleasant abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom of illness in children. There are many reasons for the appearance of pain in the abdomen and only a qualified doctor can accurately determine their nature.

Acute pain in the child's abdomen may indicate the development of some serious diseases, therefore, requires attention. Sometimes the life of the baby depends on timely diagnosis.

Characteristics of pain

Soreness in the peritoneum can be triggered by various diseases. To determine what caused the pain, it is necessary to find out its nature, intensity, localization. Children, as a rule, with severe pain, lie in uncomfortable positions. They rise or turn very slowly and with care. To determine the cause of the uncomfortable sensations in the abdomen, it is necessary to find out where their epicenter is located.

If the child has cramping pains in the abdomen, the temperature rises, it is necessary to call a doctor who can determine the cause of the child's discomfort. And if, in addition to the above signs, there are blood impurities in the vomit or feces, then an ambulance should be urgently called.

The main signs indicating disease

Consider the symptoms indicating the development of a serious pathology in the child's body:

• acute soreness;
• not relieving vomiting;
• tension of the muscles of the peritoneum;
• fainting;
• blood impurities in vomit or stool;
• prolonged diarrhea or prolonged constipation.

When any of the above signs appear, you need to call emergency care... It is necessary to inform the team whether the operations were carried out, whether the baby suffers from chronic diseases.

The main causes of acute pain

Abdominal pain can indicate the development of various diseases.
Sometimes, both the health of the child and his life depend on the speed of assistance. What diseases cause abdominal pain and require emergency medical attention?

Acute appendicitis

Pretty frequent illnessfound among children. When the first signs of appendicitis appear, it is necessary to be examined by a surgeon to avoid complications.

Signs of appendicitis in young children:

• pain in the umbilical or epigastric zone;
• repeated vomiting;
• dyspnea;
• high temperature;
• diarrhea, possibly mixed with mucus;
• catarrhal symptoms may appear.

In older children, the pain moves to the ileal zone on the right, and the muscles of the abdomen are strained. Diverticulitis also occurs with similar symptoms.

Gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis

These pathologies are found in children of any age. In infants, gastroenteritis can develop rapidly and provoke sepsis.

Symptoms of pathologies:

1. Abdominal pain.
2. Temperature increase.
3. Nausea as well as vomiting.
4. Appetite problems.

The child's condition deteriorates sharply. Severe illnesses occur at a young age and are dangerous consequences... If signs appear, you should consult a specialist.

The so-called volvulus occurs at any age, however, more often in infants and caused infectious diseases... This disease is characterized by an acute onset and undulating course. Periodic cramping pains in the peritoneum are observed, not depending on the use of food. After 6 hours, you may have a bowel movement with blood or mucus.

It is necessary to seek help in a timely manner, this will help to avoid surgery.

Acute pancreatitis

Observed sharp pains in the upper part of the peritoneum or in the umbilical zone, as well as a decrease in pressure. In children at a young age, acetone syndrome may be observed. The disease is dangerous with complications, therefore it is recommended to undergo a doctor's consultation and examination.

Pyloric stenosis

This ailment provokes food obstruction and is usually diagnosed at 4-6 weeks of life.

The child is observed:

• bouts of pain;
• after each feeding fountain vomiting.

If symptoms appear, a surgeon should be consulted. Treatment of this pathology is only surgical.

Perforation of peptic ulcer

This condition is characterized by acute pain, the skin turns pale, the pulse quickens, the child is covered with cold sweat. In some situations, the baby may lose consciousness.

It is required to call an ambulance brigade. Until the doctors arrive, the child needs to be laid down and his legs slightly raised. It is imperative to monitor the pulse as well as the respiratory rate.

Peritonitis

Is the most dangerous diseaseprovoking acute pain in the peritoneum. Usually it develops rapidly and if not provided necessary treatmentcan be fatal.

Peritonitis is more often a complication of any of the above diseases and proceeds with the following symptoms:

• Sudden pain in the abdomen that gets worse.
• Strong tension of the abdominal muscles.
• Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure.
• Rapidly growing fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.

For peritonitis, the development of dehydration and sepsis is typical.

Of course, these are not all causes of abdominal pain in a child. But in all cases, it is necessary to timely diagnose the exact cause of their occurrence in order to avoid serious complications.

Parents must appreciate such pain, because for a doctor who sees a baby for the first time, it is sometimes quite difficult.

Abdominal pain by its characteristics is extensive, localized, colicky or spasmodic.

By its duration, abdominal pain is divided into acute and chronic. Fortunately, most of them pass quickly and have no serious cause. But it must be remembered that some diseases with similar pain are life-threatening.

If the baby is very restless, the cause is most likely colic-like pain. See when your child becomes uncomfortable. Pay attention to any other symptoms he has, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Or, for example, you notice that a 5 year old child has a stomach ache. The pain then subsides, then intensifies, at times causing especially severe pain attacks. This usually lasts only a few hours, but over time, this condition becomes more and more troubling, shortening the painless periods. Here you definitely need to go to the doctor.

Your 7 year old child has abdominal pain almost daily. In the morning he has stomach aches and diarrhea.

Perhaps you notice that a 3-year-old baby is constantly pointing at his belly and crying. This has been happening for months now, and you start to worry.

These are all very common cases that many parents encounter, and for most children, abdominal pain does not bring much suffering, it goes away by itself in a short period of time. Often, parents think that their older child, 10 years old, is faking or exaggerating the symptoms, especially when doctors are not overly concerned about his condition.

However, when dealing with long-term pain, it is dangerous for parents to relax and let things go. This is probably a serious symptom of organic pathology.

Chronic abdominal pain is a very common condition, but unfortunately it is sometimes very difficult to find its cause.

Much has to do with age. For example, children under 5 years old cannot suffer from an ovarian cyst, and a child of 8 years old is unlikely to suffer from, as is observed in a 3-month-old baby.

Psychological or emotional disorders play a huge role in many pain complaints.

But doctors should be careful not to describe any pain as psychological until other causes are ruled out through careful examination and testing.

Childhood abdominal pain is classified as acute if it lasts less than 7 days and chronic if it lasts more than 7 days.

Why does the child have a stomach ache?

1. Colic

Colic in the abdomen in a newborn is the classic explanation for pain. This happens after eating. When a newborn's tummy hurts due to colic, crying and spasms suddenly begin. The cry is loud and continuous, lasting from 1 to 4 hours.

The baby's face turns red, the legs are drawn to the body and cool to the touch, the arms are clenched into fists. Episodes of infantile colic bother at any time, more often at night, which makes the parents even more exhausting.

2. Pain due to bloating

Intestinal gas is another common reason childhood abdominal pain. Gas causes bloating and stretching of the intestinal walls of the child.

3. Motion sickness

Some children suffer from motion sickness when traveling in public transport. This can be a problem when traveling by car. The child may still be disturbed by colic-like attacks and vomiting.

Plan lots of stops during your trip for your child to get some fresh air. And more often offer him a drink of water.

4. Bacterial dysentery

The child has frequent stools (not necessarily liquid) with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, periodically increasing, then subsiding. Sometimes the baby has no stool, and only blood and / or mucus comes out of the anus.

In some cases, the child has a stomach ache, vomiting opens, and frequent loose stools... These are all signs of infection with pathogenic intestinal bacteria. A baby becomes infected through close contact with an infected person or by drinking contaminated water or food. Treatment consists of adequate hydration (desoldering), drug therapynecessary to fight bacterial infection.

Toddlers on breastfeeding even during the second year of life, they are less prone to this disease. And if they get sick due to dysentery, the severity of the disease is less, and the babies recover faster.

5. Viral infection

If a child has a stomach ache, vomiting and fever, these are signs of rotavirus. Hepatitis A is another viral infectionwhich can cause severe pain in the right upper abdomen, where the liver is located. During this infection, babies' skin usually turns yellow.

Oddly enough, "streptococcal" throat provokes abdominal pain in children. This infection is due to streptococcal bacteria, signs include fever, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain.

Severe coughing spells cause tension and soreness in the abdominal muscles, which also leads to pain.

7. Abdominal tuberculosis

Abdominal TB should be suspected when a child complains of pain and there are other signs that indicate the condition.

Symptoms include:

• close contact with a person with tuberculosis;
• decreased appetite and body weight;
• a large belly in a child (and there may be signs of intestinal obstruction).

This is by far the most common reason your stomach hurts all the time.

Symptoms that indicate constipation is the cause of pain:

These two conditions are not the same thing. One is the inability to digest lactose, and the other is an entire body's allergic reaction to milk proteins. However, both can cause digestive upset and abdominal pain.

Signs include:

• abdominal cramps after consuming dairy products;
• pain from gas;
• intestinal colic;
• diarrhea;
• pain, usually diffuse, is felt throughout the abdomen.

Naturally, it often gets worse after eating food with dairy products, but this condition can develop at any time of the day.

10. Diarrhea

Abdominal cramps and rumbling in the stomach are common pains that accompany diarrhea.

Older children describe the discomfort of these conditions as burning or corrosive pain. The stomach hurts on the left, or in its upper part, or even in the center of the chest. Children 6-7 years old hardly describe pain as "burning".

13. Dyspepsia (violation of the digestive process)

Sharp and severe stomach pains that worsen with deep breaths are usually caused by indigestion. They arise as a result of overeating, hasty food intake, or from drinking excessive amounts of drinks with gas and juices.

Appendicitis is a fairly common pain problem that develops in children of all ages, although it is unusual for children under one year old.

15. Urinary tract infections

When there is a urinary tract infection, older children complain of burning and pain when urinating, and they experience discomfort in the lower abdomen. In infants, there is increased moodiness, sleep and appetite disturbances, a slight increase in temperature without signs of a cold. During urination, babies become whiny and tense the abdominal muscles.

16. Intestinal obstruction

Your child needs immediate medical attention if:

Tips for Preventing Childhood Abdominal Pain

You can prevent your baby from developing stomach pain due to digestive upset and infections:

• do not let your child overeat. Instead, divide your food into smaller portions and make your meals more frequent;
• encourage your child to eat fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits to prevent constipation
• teach your child to wash their hands with soap before eating. This will prevent the penetration of pathogenic elements into the body that cause gastrointestinal infections;
• do not let your child eat before bed. It will cause indigestion or heartburn;
• make sure your child drinks a lot of water. This will prevent the formation of dry stool and also keep you hydrated.

The prognosis for abdominal pain is as diverse as its causes. Timely identified abdominal pain is a pledge favorable prognosis generally. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled pain is life threatening in some cases. From the very beginning of the child's illness, the parent must work with the pediatrician and the hospital to ensure that the child receives proper care.