Stomachache

Stomachaches are very common in children, and may be due to generally harmless conditions, such as recently eating too much or too little food. They can also be the result of intestinal gas or short-lived viral infections. But stomachaches may be caused by more serious conditions. Here are what you really need to know about stomachaches, and what to do about them. First, let's talk about potentially serious situations. If your child is crying continuously, and you don't know why, go to the doctor immediately. If your child is under two years of age, and has obvious abdominal pain, take him to the doctor. If your child is doubled over with pain, or lies completely still without moving, go to the doctor now. There are some other situations when you should call or go to the doctor right away. If your child is extremely sleepy, listless, fussy and irritable, or confused, go right to the doctor. If your child has a severe stomachache that lasts for more than two hours, or seems to be getting worse, get to the doctor. If there is blood in the stool, which you might also call poop, or if there is stomach pain combined with vomiting, call the doctor right away. In boys, if there is pain in the scrotum or the testicles, or you think there might be, call the doctor. And if you know or suspect that your child has swallowed any sort of poison, call 911 at once. Tell them that you suspect poisoning. They may connect you to the Poison Control hotline, which will ask you some questions and give you specific advice. The Poison Control hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. Remember, if you even suspect that your child has swallowed something they shouldn't have, call the Poison hotline, 1-800-222-1222, or call 911 if he's acting very sick. Okay. You've thought about and prepared for the worst-case scenarios. So now, you can relax a bit. Most stomach pains usually are not that worrisome. In school-age children, most stomachaches are related to psychological stress or anxiety. Children who are unable to verbalize feelings of anxiousness or stress often will express their discomfort by having stomachaches or headaches. Of course, children may also experience stomach pain in connection with stomach problems or illnesses in other parts of the body, such as the ear, throat, or a chest infection. So, it's important for parents to keep track of recurrent stomachaches and see if there are any other signs or symptoms of illness besides the stomachache. A doctor should always assess children who have recurring stomachaches. A couple of more points about stomachaches, two of the most common conditions in children are colic in very young children, and constipation. Take the time to check out the links about constipation and colic. There's excellent information about home treatment of both, along with other advice about stomachaches. And if you're ever unsure or concerned about your child's stomachache, don't hesitate to call your doctor.