Abdominal Pain
What is it?
Abdominal pain is pain located in area of the stomach (abdomen), which is why it is frequently called "stomachache." Abdominal pain in babies less than three months old, accompanied by fussy crying, is called colic.
Who gets it?
All children will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives.
What causes it?
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain. In most cases, childhood abdominal pain is caused by overeating, a build up of gas, or a viral infection, called viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu. Abdominal pain is also often caused by stress. Teenage girls who have begun menstruating frequently experience abdominal pain, called cramps, during their period. When stomachaches occur frequently, it is referred to as recurrent abdominal pain. This type of pain can have many causes and should always be referred to a doctor. Common causes of recurrent abdominal pain include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and carbohydrate malabsorption. Kidney or bladder infections and appendicitis can also cause abdominal pain.
What are the symptoms?
Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to days, depending upon the cause. When the pain is caused by a stomach flu, it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and often diarrhea. If your child's abdominal pain is caused by stress and worry, he or she may describe a dull pain deep in the stomach, often around the belly button. Abdominal pain caused by a bladder or kidney infection is accompanied by pain during urination. A child with appendicitis will complain of sharp, severe pain, usually accompanied by vomiting of a dark substance called bile. Children with carbohydrate malabsorption will have symptoms that include bloating, flatulence, and loose stools. Stomach pain caused by a more serious condition is severe and/or constant, and is often accompanied by fever.
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Content Courtesy : www.hmc.psu.edu

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