What are the common causes of stomach aches in children?
There are actually many causes of stomach aches in children, and gastroenteritis is the first factor we should consider. This is because if there are bacteria in the intestines, it can lead to colic, and children will then feel the stomach ache. As for other common reasons for stomach aches in children, constipation is also a common cause of stomach aches. Because stool cannot be expelled from the body normally, it can indirectly cause some colic and lead to stomach aches.
More serious conditions, such as appendicitis, will cause abdominal pain concentrated in the lower right abdomen. Some children may have a high fever and should see a doctor immediately. Other infections, including possible underlying urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal sensitivity in children, for example due to homework stress or anxiety, can also manifest as abdominal pain.
So if children complain of stomach aches for no reason, it is generally recommended that parents take them to see a doctor.
When a child has a stomach ache, what should parents pay attention to and how should they care for the child? In what situations should a child be taken to see a doctor?
When young children have a stomach ache, parents should also appropriately assess the child's condition, including whether there are other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, and whether diarrhoea is present. The severity of the stomach ache and its location are also very important.
The more a child complains of stomach aches, the sooner they should go to the doctor.
Are Western or Chinese medicines for stomach aches available on the market helpful in relieving stomach aches in children? Are there any side effects after taking them?
I suggest focusing on investigating the cause of the stomach ache, and with appropriate medication, it will improve considerably. If you have a slight stomach ache and buy some traditional Chinese medicine without investigating the cause, you might miss the opportunity to treat a serious illness.
There are over-the-counter medications for stomach pain, which mainly alleviate intestinal colic. Generally, they might cause difficulty in defecation for children, so it's most important to treat the specific condition.
If you find that a child has had some pain for a long time, you should see a doctor to find out the cause.
What are the causes of gastroenteritis in children? Besides stomach ache and diarrhoea, are there other symptoms of gastroenteritis in children?
Gastroenteritis in children can primarily be classified into viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis.
- The most common viral gastroenteritis includes gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus or norovirus. Symptoms in children first include vomiting, diarrhoea, and stools that are mostly watery, with some bloating. Children may experience persistent stomach pains, fever, and a reduced appetite, which can easily lead to dehydration.
- Bacterial gastroenteritis symptoms are slightly different from viral gastroenteritis. Bacterial gastroenteritis includes Salmonella types and often causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea to appear at the same time. Pay attention as a child's stools may be very loose, with mucus and sometimes streaks of blood. It is recommended to see a doctor early, as antibiotics may be prescribed to tackle bacterial gastroenteritis, especially in children under two years old.
How to treat gastroenteritis in children? Does it tend to recur frequently?
The first step in treating gastroenteritis is to identify the cause. For example, viral gastroenteritis includes rotavirus or norovirus. We test the stool, and if viral gastroenteritis is found, antibiotics won't help, nor will any other medication. We generally have to wait for the digestive system to recover slowly. The most important focus when treating gastroenteritis is the child's hydration. We are most concerned if their appetite deteriorates, but they are also constantly vomiting, which can easily lead to dehydration. Gradually, if it becomes more serious, it can affect kidney function. Therefore, if a child cannot drink water and doesn't want to eat, they may need to be admitted to hospital for intravenous fluids, such as glucose water, to maintain adequate hydration and sugar levels.
As for bacterial gastroenteritis, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medication for treatment.
