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Children often complain of stomach pain, which has become a common issue. There can be various reasons for abdominal pain in kids. Personal hygiene and anxiety due to exams or going to school are common issues. While some pain resolves on its own or with the use of effective home remedies, abdominal pain should not be overlooked, especially if it is severe or persists for several days. This blog will walk you through the common causes of severe stomach pain in children and highlight eight effective home remedies for soothing your child's stomach pain at home.
Synopsis
Causes of Abdominal Pain in Kids
If the cause of the abdominal pain is known, it can help provide the right treatment. Its common causes are:
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Overeating or excessive feeding by the mother
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Eating junk or fried food
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Lactose intolerance
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Infectious illnesses (viral or bacterial)
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Sensitivity or allergy to specific foods
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Acid reflux
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Emotional stress or anxiety
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Worm infestation
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Contaminated food or water
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Eating vegetables that are gassy or cause bloating
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Uncommon causes of abdominal pain in children can be appendicitis, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, kidney stones, peritonitis, etc.
Treatment
Abdominal pain treatment in children depends on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. In many cases, home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate discomfort. However, medical attention may be necessary if the pain persists or worsens or if additional symptoms develop.
8 Effective Home Remedies for Soothing Your Child's Stomach Pain
Stomach pain in your child can happen anytime, so these quick and effective home remedies are a saviour to relieve the discomfort.
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Ginger: Ginger ale is a traditional home remedy for stomach pain in kids. Ginger has very good anti-inflammatory, digestive, and antioxidant properties. Offer your child ginger tea, candies, or chews to alleviate nausea and soothe the stomach. For preparing ginger tea, add freshly sliced ginger pieces to hot water for 15-20 minutes. Strain it and add honey as a sweetener (for children older than 1 year) if needed.
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Asafoetida or hing paste: Applying asafoetida or hing paste is an effective age-old remedy. It relieves stomach pain by releasing gases in children of all ages. Make a paste of hing in water. Apply this to the child’s belly after laying the child horizontally. Massage it for some time for stomach relief.
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Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the abdomen can help relax muscles, reduce cramping, and ease stomach pain quickly. It is best to provide immediate relief for your child’s stomach pain. Put a heating pad on your child’s abdomen, or wrap a warm water bottle in a cloth.
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Jeera or Cumin Water: Jeera concoctions with water help with digestion and release gas. It relieves the stomach pain associated with these issues. Add two teaspoons of cumin seeds to one litre, heat it, and strain it into a bottle. Ask your child to drink this water throughout the day.
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Comforting foods and probiotics: Give your child bland foods such as a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) until stomach pain settles. Also, add probiotics to their diet, which also relieves nausea and diarrhoea. Most stomach pain in children is caused by an unhealthy gut and indigestion. Yoghurt is an excellent probiotic, containing good bacteria that replace lost gut germs and help restore the microbiome.
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Herbal Teas: To ease stomach pain in kids, herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile teas are effective. Peppermint tea has soothing properties that help with gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Chamomile tea has a calming effect that relaxes the digestive tract muscles and eases stomach pain. Offer your child a cup of warm, diluted peppermint or chamomile tea for relief and a good night's sleep.
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Rest and Hydration: Make your child rest to recover the body from abdominal discomfort and avoid strenuous activities that may aggravate the pain. Also, encourage your child to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, ginger ale, or diluted fresh fruit juices. These also aid in digestion.
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Foot Reflexology: Massaging and pressing lightly on certain points in the body can have a therapeutic effect. Hold your child’s feet in your hand and apply steady pressure using the thumb under the ball of their foot. Also, apply pressure to the central arch of his left foot for a minute. Repeat this 4-5 times before mealtime for immediate relief from abdominal pain.
Even though these home remedies can ease stomach pain in your child, they cannot replace expert guidance or advice. To know further about remedies, book an appointment with our expert gastroenterology doctor in Dhakuria.
Conclusion
Abdominal pain in children can be distressing, but using these effective home remedies can provide immediate relief and comfort. Also, it is important to understand the cause of your child’s abdominal pain before implementing appropriate treatment options and promoting their overall well-being. However, if the pain continues for several days or worsens with some additional symptoms, it's essential to schedule a consultation at a gastroenterology hospital in Dhakuria, for timely evaluation and treatment. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
Yes, certain foods and beverages can exacerbate abdominal pain in children, such as dairy products, spicy foods, fried foods, citrus fruits and juices, and carbonated beverages. It's advisable to avoid these foods until your child recovers.
It's important to seek immediate medical attention if your child's
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Abdominal pain worsens or stays for a long time
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Develop additional symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, blood in the stool, or difficulty urinating
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Exhibit signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, fatigue, or decreased urine output
Some children may experience abdominal pain after eating certain foods. But it could be due to food sensitivities or food intolerances. Keeping a food diary and noting trigger foods that cause discomfort can help avoid them.
While most cases of abdominal pain in children are due to minor issues like gas, indigestion, or gut health, sometimes it can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or a urinary tract infection. Seek immediate medical attention for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Gastrointestinal Department or visit our website.
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