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Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain in children can result from various factors such as gastroenteritis, bloating, gas, indigestion, or constipation, which is common across all age groups. If a child frequently complains of abdominal pain, it's crucial to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause before the condition worsens.

What is Chronic Abdominal Pain?
Chronic abdominal pain refers to pain lasting for more than three months. The pain may be intermittent or persistent and can range from mild conditions such as constipation or indigestion to severe diseases like gastric ulcers, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoma, or gallstones.
  • Frequent abdominal pain leading to school absences.
  • Reduced appetite or failure to gain weight appropriately.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and cause of the pain. Children may experience abdominal pain accompanied by:
  • A palpable mass in the abdomen.
  • Abnormal bloating.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., vomiting blood or blood in stools).
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Fever.
  • Unintentional weight loss and reduced appetite.
  • Jaundice.
  • Mouth or anal ulcers.
  • Pale skin (anemia).
Chronic abdominal pain can arise from physical conditions or psychological factors, including:
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea: Due to infections or lactose intolerance.
  • Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastrointestinal motility disorders: Gas or impaired digestion.
  • Gastritis or peptic ulcers
  • Pancreatitis, gallstones, or chronic cholecystitis
  • Cancers: Stomach or intestinal cancer, or lymphoma in the digestive tract.
  • Psychological causes: Stress from school or home or seeking attention.
Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:
  • Ultrasound: To detect abnormalities like hepatitis, pancreatitis, gallstones, or tumors.
  • CT Scan: Offers detailed imaging for precise diagnosis.
  • Endoscopy: Identifies abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors. It also allows for tissue biopsy and treatment during the procedure.
  • Blood tests: To detect inflammation or food allergies.
  • Stool analysis: Identifies infections, intestinal inflammation, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Breath tests: To detect bacterial infections or incomplete digestion of lactose or fructose.
Prevention starts with maintaining good hygiene:
  • Eat freshly prepared, hot food.
  • Use communal utensils.
  • Follow a balanced diet with all five food groups.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Most cases are manageable once the root cause is identified. Consult a pediatrician for timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Last modify: December 16, 2024

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