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Top 6 Causes Of Kids Stomach Pain
Children often complain of stomach pain. Kids stomach pain is one of the most common reasons for parents to get health advice about their children.
Abdominal pain in kids is usually frightening and frustrating for parents as it is hard to find out the exact cause. Stomach pain is more common in kids younger than 11 years old and is generally caused by changes in your kids eating habits and bowel habits.
Some stomach pain causes include stomach flu [Way for Treating Stomach Flu], constipation, diarrhea, Intestinal infection, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, heartburn, acid reflux and food-related problem.
Here are the most common causes of kids stomach pain:
1. Stomach flu:
Stomach flu is also known as gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and small intestines. There are two types of gastroenteritis: viral and bacterial, which are caused by bacteria or virus infection.
The stomach virus is caused by a virus found in spoiled food, dairy products and dirty water. If it is not treated properly, it can cause further complications like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.
But it generally disappears 1 to 2 days without medical treatment. Home treatment can reduce the symptoms of stomach virus and also prevent other complications. It is more common in kids and young adults.
2. Constipation:
Constipation is one of the most common causes of kids stomach pain. Constipation develops when bowel movements become hard or less frequent. Constipation is having less than three bowel movements a week that in turn cause hard stools and stomach pain.
3. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a condition that involves frequent bowel movements that are loose, mushy and watery. Kids with diarrhea often have fever and stomach pain. Diarrhea may be caused by a food infection and certain medicines.
It can also happen when you do not wash both hands before eating, and after using the bathroom. It generally lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.
4. Intestinal infections:
Bacterial intestinal infection is a devastating condition that triggers kids stomach pain, diarrhea and sometime bloody stools. Many kids become infected by eating raw meat, contaminated seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, drinking and swimming in polluted water.
5. Urinary tract infection:
Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection in the kidney, bladder and ureters that causes lower abdominal pain. If your kid has a urine infection, he or she may experience lack of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, fever and urine with smell.
Urine infections are more common in boys than girls, but kids, teens and girls are more likely to have the infection. Based on your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for UTI and also suggest your kid to drink extra fluids to flush the bacteria out of the bladder.
6. Appendicitis:
Appendicitis is the most common surgical condition in children who experience with stomach pain. It happens when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed.
A child with appendicitis generally shows the symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea and refuses to take the food. Appendicitis may sometimes resolve without surgery, but usually needed surgery to remove the appendix.