A tummy upset is a common complaint in small children. Sometimes your child may complain of pain when they are just hungry. Understanding the signs of tummy trouble, encouraging good hygiene habits, and dealing effectively with illnesses can make a big difference.
Hunger pains
A small child may busy himself for some time before he realises he’s hungry, and by then, the physical need may feel very intense to him. Hunger pain is usually relieved by taking food. Don’t give spicy food after hunger pain.
Gas and children
Everyone has gas — even kids. It happens naturally after they eat foods and drinks like beans, vegetables, and sodas. When kids eat or drink too fast or chew gum, they might swallow extra air — that also can cause gas. Although gas is normal, it can trigger stomach pain and bloating. Children don’t get gas as often as adults. If your child often has gas pains, talk to a pediatrician.
Acid Reflux in Children
If your child often has heartburn, he may have acid reflux, when food from the stomach rises up into the esophagus. Certain foods, large meals, or eating near bedtime can make symptoms worse. Taking smaller, more frequent meals can help. If your child has these symptoms often, see your doctor.
Germs in stomach
Bacteria and viruses can mess with your child’s digestive tract. Kids can get sick by eating food that hasn’t been properly washed or cooked. It can cause an upset stomach, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Viruses that spread from child to child are also a common source of diarrhea. Help protect your kids by washing hands often, discouraging sharing food, and keeping them away from kids who are sick.
Vomiting in Children
Like diarrhea, vomiting can have many causes. Viral infections usually are to blame. In most cases vomiting gets better in a day or two without any treatment. But it’s important to watch your child for signs of dehydration. When children are vomiting or have diarrhea, they can become dehydrated quickly. Look for symptoms like a high fever, dry mouth, lower energy, and little urination. If your child has been vomiting, stick with a liquid diet for about eight hours. Give him/her small sips of water or oral rehydration solution. After that, feed your child with small amounts of bland foods, such as rice, toast, applesauce, bananas, and crackers. Return to a normal diet within 24 hours, but avoid spicy or fatty foods for a couple of days. Children who have diarrhea without vomiting can usually continue to eat normally. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If your child has a fever, seems dehydrated, or can’t keep down small sips of clear liquids, then talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Constipation
Stomach pain often can be blamed on constipation. Kids can get constipated when they purposely won’t go to the bathroom. Constipation can be a side effect of certain medications or a low-fiber diet. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if it lasts more than one week or if your child has other symptoms, like fever, vomiting, or bloody stool. Treatment may include laxatives and dietary changes. Regular intake of vegetable and fruit can help to relieve constipation. If your child’s pain is severe, see a doctor right away.
Children and lactose Intolerance
Does your child get cramps, gas, nausea, or diarrhea not long after drinking or eating dairy products? If it happens on a regular basis — about 30 minutes to two hours after having milk, soft cheese, or ice cream — he could have lactose intolerance. That means his body can’t digest lactose, the sugar in milk. If you suspect lactose intolerance, talk to your pediatrician. There’s no cure, but making changes in his diet can help a lot.
