Stomach Problems in Children

The stomach is one of the most vital organs that helps to digest food. Unhealthy eating habits, that are commonly observed in children, often cause stomach problems. However, a viral infection caused due to ingested food can also cause stomach problems in children. Drinking contaminated water can be yet another reason for stomach aches. An upset stomach due to indigestion or stomach flu is not a serious issue, and may require a visit to a doctor. Read more on stomach ache remedies.

Stomach Problems in Children

Stomach aches in children are common, and rarely indicate the onset of any serious illnesses. For instance, stomach bloating in children occurs due to overeating, and can be overcome by restricting food intake. It is also observed that children are more susceptible to stomach aches than adults. The following are some of the common stomach problems in children. Read more on bloated stomach after eating.

Diarrhea: This is the most common stomach problem in children and many a times not a cause of worry. In this condition, the child excretes watery stools and frequency of bowel movement increases. In other words the child may go to the toilet 3 to 4 times in a day to pass stools. Diarrhea, a viral infection, causes abdominal pain during bowel movement. In most cases, diarrhea in children does not last long and within a week the condition goes away without any treatment. As diarrhea leads to dehydration, it is essential that the child drinks plenty of water and other fluids.

Constipation: Constipation, marked by dry and hard stools, is one of the stomach problems that is caused due an unhealthy diet. Bowel evacuation is a source of great discomfort and pain in children suffering from constipation. Infrequent bowel movement is a common symptom of constipation. In most cases, the condition is not serious and mainly occurs when fluid intake drops suddenly. Drinking plenty of water, complemented by a high fiber diet, will make the stools soft and bulky, allowing painless bowel movement. Laxatives (if any) should be given only after consulting a doctor.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This condition causes development of ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. IBD in children is characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, followed by stomach cramps and diarrhea. When IBD is severe, blood in stools is observed. Oral medications are prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with IBD.

Parasite Infection: This stomach infection in children (stomach flu) occurs when parasites such as tapeworms and pinworms attack the body and cause stomach bloating in children among other health problems. The most affected organ is the intestine as they lay their eggs and grow in large number in this vital organ. These intestinal parasites obtain the nutrients from digested food, thus depriving the child from essential minerals and vitamins. Parasitic infection in children often causes stomach ache accompanied by foul smelling diarrhea. Read more on stomach flu in children.

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a term that refers to an inflamed appendix. As we all know, the appendix is a tube, 3-4 inch long, leading from the large intestine. Actually, it is an extension of the large intestine that get inflamed due to infection. An obstructed appendix not only causes infection, but also causes unbearable stomach pain. Appendicitis requires urgent medical attention, and mostly a surgery is performed to remove the appendix.

Read more on:

• Stomach Ulcers
• Stomach Problems Caused By Stress
• Nervous Stomach In Children

The aforementioned stomach problems in children can also be prevented by washing hands before eating, as unclean hands are a source of bacterial infections that cause diarrhea. Also, consuming hygienic food and drinking pure water can keep stomach problems at bay.