Children & Tummy Aches

What Causes Tummy Aches In Children?

In most cases the causes of tummy aches in children are never found.

Over ten per cent of school children have recurrent tummy aches over several weeks.

All children will probably experience tummy ache at some point in their child hood.

Causes of children’s tummy aches can include:-

• Stress
• constipation
• inflammation of the lymph glands
• gastro-enteritis
• appendicitis
• urinary tract infection
• trauma to the abdomen
• obstruction of the intestines
• hernia
• sickle cell disease
• migraine
• lead poisoning
• pneumonia

What Are The Symptoms Of Tummy Ache In Children?

Try to identify a pattern of pain. For example, pain that lessens as you child goes to the toilet may be linked to irritable bowel syndrome.  What does the pain feel like? Where is it? Does it move? When does it hurt?

How's Are Tummy Pains In Childhood Diagnosed?

Causes of tummy aches in children can be difficult to establish. If you need reassurance your doctor should be able to help. In most cases tummy aches disappear after a few hours without treatment. Try to make your child as comfortable as possible and administer fluids and a little food if the pain is mild.

If tummy ache persists or worsens, or if there are other symptoms, particularly fever, vomiting or a painful lump in the groin, then call your doctor.

 

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