Abdominal Pain

Typically, a stomach ache that is brought on by stress, fear, school phobia, etc. appears suddenly and is very hard to comfort. If the stress is eliminated (you don't have to go to school today) the pain usually leaves abruptly or only lingers a bit as a vague ache. This pain is not in most cases contrived - it is real, related to acid production, often in families with histories of "sensitive stomachs" or ulcers and can be seen in very young children (age 3 and up). The "cure" is reassurance, understanding, teaching relaxation, fixing whatever stressors can be fixed (a bully in school can be behind many a school "phobia" and the attendant stress belly ache - speak to the teachers) and sometimes a dose of antacids will provide enough temporary relief to get your child out of a major moaning episode. Obviously this is not all that needs to be done since these aches will return with the next stress but it is an immediate method of relief and a great comfort to both the child and the parent.

Some stomach aches are the result of dietary indiscretions like too much candy at the fair. These aches are usually accompanied by passing gas and cramps that get better after a bowel movement (often diarrhea) happens. Antacids for children may also help here as well as a tummy rub while sitting your child on the toilet. Keep your eyes open at parties and picnics for what your child is eating - especially avoid under cooked meats and mayonnaise containing salads - these can lead to far worse than just a stomach ache. If in fact your child's pain is excessive and also comes with vomiting or diarrhea or fever, see a doctor and take a sample of the food with you if possible. There are bacteria that can cause this that require immediate and vigorous medical treatment and time is important.

Very unusual reasons for stomach ache exist - strep throat infection, bladder infection, hiatal hernia, and the most well known and feared reason, appendicitis. Appendicitis is not rare but also not common. A child with developing appendicitis may only complain about a vague stomach ache at first but then the pain will generally move from the "stomach area" to the lower right side of the abdomen and become very sharp and almost unbearable. Some children vomit once or twice and usually do not have a fever but if your child's pain is becoming more severe, let the doctor examine him. It is sometimes hard even for the doctor to tell the difference between a stomach flu and appendicitis but there are tricks and tools that doctors have to help tell the difference so don't delay getting help. Usually an appendicitis attack takes many hours to become an emergency but it is unpredictable.

Most stomach aches are brief, relieved by simple comforts like tea and a tummy rub, or a bowel movement (even constipation can cause stomach aches), and do not represent serious illness. Always evaluate the severity of your child's pain by checking if distraction or reassurance helps and if it does and your child can get up and walk comfortably, you can safely wait it out a while unless symptoms worsen. Avoid food during a belly ache and stick to clear room temperature liquids.