Tummy Troubles’ In Kids

Stomachache is a common childhood problem and pinpointing the cause of a child's stomachache can be tricky. The key isn't just focusing on where the pain is, but also looking at the symptoms the child is either having or not.

What causes tummy trouble in children?
Anxiety, overeating or just an attention seeking tantrum, there can be any reason behind the child complaining of stomachache. The conditions below are the most common medical causes of stomach pain in children, although many others are possible.

• Gastroenteritisdefine
Any inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection is medically termed as Gastroenteritis or ‘stomach flu’. Though viruses are the most common culprit behind the problem, Gastroenteritis can also be caused by a potentially more serious bacterial infection, such as Salmonella or E. coli.

Fever, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea are the symptoms to watch out for. Also watch for signs of dehydration and make sure that your child is drinking plenty of fluids.

• Milk allergy
Children allergic to milk have their immune systemdefine responding to the proteins found in milk. Milk allergies occur most often in babies and children. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and rashes.

To pinpoint the cause, keep all dairy (including milk, cheese, ice cream, pudding, etc.) away from your child for a few days and then slowly reintroduce it. If your child's stomach troubles start up again, you've nailed the culprit.

• Constipation and changes in diet
Constipation is the most common stomach problem in young children. Constipation is defined as not having a bowel movement for two to three days and then passing small hard stools.

Make sure your child is getting enough fluids throughout the day. And on the days when he seems particularly constipated, feed him foods that produce looser stools (like apricots, pears, prunes, and peas).

In addition, exercise can help get the bowels moving, so encourage your child to be active.

• Appendicitis
The classic symptoms of appendicitis are abdominal paindefine