Abdominal Pain In Children - 4 Important Things To Learn

Stomach aches, cramping, sharp abdominal pain; these are the cause of most visits to see the doctor in children. Depending on the age of the child, it is difficult for either parent or physician to discover the main cause. Sometimes, in the case of an emergency, the pain requires attention as soon as possible. The abdominal pain in children could result from foods, poisons, viruses or bee stings and insect bites.

1. Abdominal Pain from Infections

Infections most often occur, do to contact of virus' or bacterial substances. These infections can cause abdominal pain through stomach flu or Gastroenteritis. The later being the inflammation and irritation of the intestines and bowel track. When traveling, with or without children, special care must be taken because the foods and drinks may become contaminated; this will possibly lead to abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Most abdominal pain caused by viral infections can be warded off quickly; however, if the abdominal pain is bacterial, medication may be in demand. Occasionally, in both cases, if children experience vomiting and diarrhea, the recovery time may be quicker than those who don't. If diarrhea comes into play, the distribution of fluids is essential so the child avoids dehydration.

2. What to look for when food poisoning is the factor of abdominal pain.

There is a number of abdominal pains related to or caused by food; gas production, poisoning, extreme foor ingestion or allergies. Out of these, food poisoning is usually temporary and connected to the discomfort of bloating. Symptoms to look for are vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, stomach cramps and diarrhea; these sighns of food poisoning will appear up to two days after eating the contaminated food.

The nervous system can be affected depending on how severe the case is. Outbreaks are known to occur when several jpeople come down with the same symptoms after eating the same contaminated food. More than two hundred diseases are found to be connected to food. Either toxic or infective agents can cause food to become poisoned. Parasites, bacteria, and viruses are classified as infective agents. Uncooked food, poisonous mushrooms and exotic food would be classified as toxic agents. Yet another way food becomes contaminated would be through unclean workers preparing the food.

Food allergies will cause abdominal pain as well as vomiting, nausea and skin rash or diarrhea. Most allergic reactions are called hypersensitivity to certain foods; whereas most circumstances they are harmless, others can be very life threatening and are referred to as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis.

Other poisons that can attribute to abdominal pain would include insect bites, such as the Black Widow Spider. Even an overdose of medicines and consuming not-food items will cause stomach cramping. Each of these will contribute to abdominal pain, nausea, tremor and vomiting. Sever cases will include dizziness, respiratory problems, chest pain, also heart rate and blood pressure may increase.

Diabetes will also cause abdominal pain in children. Appendicitis is also a rare but likely cause of abdominal pain. This is caused from a blockage and inflammation of tissues. Symptoms of appendicitis start as a small pain near the belly button. The pain will shift slowly to the right side of the lower abdominal within twenty four hours. Other symptoms involve vomiting, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite.

3. What to look for

Young children curl up, cry, and position their hands around the cause of distress. Even though some children don't wish to talk during their time of discomfort, it is important for the parent to get them to explain what they are feeling, the best they can. The parent should monitor the signs and area of pain, as well as, how long it lasts. This will allow the parent to get a good handle on the situation before contacting the pediatric doctor. It is important to try to get the child to relax until help can be obtained.

4. Small steps to take

One can relieve abdominal pain caused from gas by lying with the child's face in a downward direction. If vomiting and diarrhea are the course of abdominal pain; it is essential to provide fluids constantly and solid foods only if the child feels he or she can handle it.