Causes and Treatment of Abdominal Pain in Children

What Causes Abdominal Pain in Children? What Should Be Done?

Abdominal pain, which is common in children, is a condition that can affect children's daily lives and worry parents. Abdominal pain can originate from many different causes, especially depending on the age of the children. Abdominal pain can be an 'organic' disorder belonging to the gastrointestinal tract or any organ within the abdomen, or it can be of a 'functional' type without an underlying organic problem. Abdominal pain can also be classified as acute and chronic according to its duration, and as requiring or not requiring surgical intervention according to its nature. Therefore, to understand abdominal pain in children and manage it effectively, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.

What Causes Abdominal Pain in Children?

While acute abdominal pain refers to short-term and sudden-onset pain, chronic abdominal pain encompasses pain that has been present for at least three months, recurring or continuously persisting. Both conditions have different causes and different treatment methods. The most common causes of acute and chronic abdominal pain in children are as follows:

Acute Abdominal Pain:

Infections: A common cause of acute abdominal pain is viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract or an organ within the abdomen such as the liver, bile duct, or urinary system can present with abdominal pain.

Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, which is a gastrointestinal infection of viral, bacterial, or parasitic origin, can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in children.

Urinary system stones: Stones formed in the kidneys or urinary tracts can lead to acute abdominal pain.

Acute appendicitis: Appendicitis is a frequent cause of acute abdominal pain in children. The pain usually starts around the belly button and spreads to the lower right part of the abdomen.

Gastrointestinal tract obstructions or perforations: They are causes of severe acute abdominal pain and require surgical intervention.

Chronic Abdominal Pain:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, can cause heartburn and abdominal pain.

Acid-peptic disease: Inflammatory conditions involving the stomach or duodenum (gastritis-duodenitis) or ulcers can be a cause of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children.

Functional dyspepsia: It is a non-organic disorder that causes complaints such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety in the stomach region.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a frequent, functionally caused reason for chronic abdominal pain in children. Along with pain, abdominal bloating and a decrease (constipation) or increase (diarrhea) in the frequency of bowel movements may also be observed.

Constipation: Chronic constipation is a common problem in children and can lead to abdominal pain. A low-fiber diet, insufficient fluid intake, and irregularities in bowel movements can contribute to constipation.

Migraine-pain syndrome: Also known as abdominal migraine, this condition is a functionally caused abdominal pain characterized by recurrent severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting at regular intervals.

Inflammatory abdominal pain: Diseases such as Familial Mediterranean Fever and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) are causes of chronic abdominal pain.

Chronic hepatitis-chronic pancreatitis: It can be chronic hepatitis or chronic pancreatitis due to chronic infection, genetic disorder, or autoimmune inflammatory causes.

Metabolic diseases: Such as diabetic ketoacidosis attacks, porphyria.

Food protein allergy: Allergic diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract may present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Carbohydrate malabsorption disorders: Enzymatic or transport disorders leading to fructose, glucose, sucrose, and lactose malabsorption cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment are important for children with acute or chronic abdominal pain. For this purpose, it is necessary for the physician to reach an accurate diagnosis through the evaluation of symptoms, taking a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

In Which Situations Does It Lead to Serious Health Problems?

Abdominal pain in children is temporary and mild in most cases. However, it should not be forgotten that abdominal pain may be due to a serious cause and may require urgent medical intervention. Some situations where abdominal pain in children can lead to serious health problems are:

Acute appendicitis: Appendicitis is one of the most serious causes of abdominal pain. Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, and when left untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to more serious conditions such as peritonitis.

Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction in children can occur as a result of a mechanical blockage or disruptions in the normal movements of the intestines. Symptoms of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty having a bowel movement can be signs of intestinal obstruction.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Although less frequent in children compared to adults, subtypes of IBD such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can be seen. These diseases lead to chronic inflammation in the intestines and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, and growth retardation.

Urinary system infections: Upper and lower urinary system (kidney and bladder) infections can cause abdominal pain and a feeling of discomfort while urinating in children. Chronic or recurrent kidney infections can result in kidney failure if not treated appropriately.

Non-appendicitis acute abdominal pain: In some cases, acute abdominal pain other than appendicitis can also be a sign of a serious problem. For example, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or infections of other organs within the abdomen can also lead to severe abdominal pain.

Abdominal trauma: Abdominal traumas in children can occur due to reasons such as falls, sports injuries, or traffic accidents. As a result of abdominal trauma, injury or perforation in organs may occur, and severe abdominal pain can be seen. Treatment can be in the form of medical or surgical intervention depending on the situation.

Urogenital system problems: In some cases, abnormalities in the urogenital system can cause abdominal pain. For example, conditions such as kidney stones or testicular torsion may require urgent intervention.

These conditions are examples that abdominal pain in children can be a sign of a serious health problem. If the abdominal pain is severe, accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, bloody stools, vomiting, or breathing difficulty, it is necessary to apply to a health institution urgently.

Is Abdominal Pain in Children a Sign of Infectious Diseases?

Abdominal pain in children can stem from various reasons, and infectious diseases are also a frequent cause of this pain. Some situations where abdominal pain in children can be a sign of infectious diseases are:

Gastrointestinal infections: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in children.

Urinary system infections: Urinary tract infections can be a sign of abdominal pain in children. These infections can lead to abdominal pain along with symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.

Respiratory tract infections: Abdominal pain may develop secondary to lower respiratory tract infections. Especially in infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, coughing and abdominal pain can be seen.

Appendicitis: Appendicitis is an important cause of acute abdominal pain. When the appendix becomes inflamed, symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and fever may appear.

Streptococcal infections: Streptococcal infections can cause abdominal pain in children due to diseases such as throat infections or scarlet fever. These infections can manifest with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and abdominal pain.

How is Abdominal Pain Treated in Children?

Abdominal pain is very common in children and has many causes. Treatment is carried out targeted to the cause after finding the reason leading to the abdominal pain.

It is important to first consult a doctor for the treatment of abdominal pain. The doctor will evaluate the child's medical history and symptoms and perform the necessary tests to make an appropriate diagnosis if needed. If an organic cause leading to abdominal pain is identified through examination and tests, a treatment plan appropriate for the organic pathology is designed. If it is concluded that the abdominal pain is of functional origin, the main goal in treatment is the enlightenment of the patient and patient relatives and the arrangement of symptomatic treatment. The main important point in abdominal pain, if there is an acute abdominal pain, is to quickly decide whether this requires a surgical approach or not. For example, in conditions such as intestinal obstructions (intussusception), gastrointestinal perforations, or appendicitis, surgical operation is mostly required. In such cases, it is important for the child to apply to the hospital quickly and to act urgently when surgical intervention is needed.

In chronic abdominal pain, it is necessary to determine whether the cause is of organic or functional origin. In organically sourced abdominal pain, treatment is planned targeted to the cause, in addition, pain-relieving medications are also frequently applied. If your doctor has determined that chronic abdominal pain is of the functional abdominal pain type, some non-drug approaches alongside the medications your doctor will prescribe can have an effect of easing abdominal pain attacks. For example, resting, sleeping, and taking adequate fluids by the sick child, temporarily restricting some foods, especially packaged foods, can be effective in easing the pain. Playing a supportive role as a family to ensure the child relaxes and to support the recovery process is also important.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the abdominal pain is mild, the child can be monitored by giving a simple pain reliever or applying warm water to the abdominal area in a way that will not burn the skin. However, in cases of ongoing abdominal pain, severe abdominal pain, or recurrent/chronic abdominal pain, a doctor must be consulted. The use of pain relievers in severe abdominal pain where the underlying cause has not yet been determined can cause a delay in diagnosis and the worsening of the disease leading to complications. If your child has diarrhea along with abdominal pain, do the following:

Increase fluid intake: Diarrhea can cause a large amount of fluid and electrolyte loss from the body. You can reduce the risk of dehydration by increasing your child's fluid intake. Light beverages such as water, beverages containing electrolytes (for example, electrolyte oral rehydration solutions), and herbal teas can be preferred. It is important to avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages.

Pay attention to nutrition: Nutrition is important in children with diarrhea. Make sure foods are light, easy to digest, and do not upset the stomach. These can include foods such as rice porridge, bananas, yogurt, boiled vegetables, and chicken broth. It is necessary to avoid spicy, fatty, and heavy foods.

Consult your doctor: In case diarrhea is severe or prolonged, it is important to consult your child's doctor. The doctor will evaluate the child's condition and determine appropriate treatment measures. If necessary, the doctor may recommend prescription drugs or a special diet, or provide intravenous fluid support.

Monitor dehydration signs: The risk of dehydration increases with diarrhea. It is important to monitor your child's signs of dehydration. These include dry mouth, decrease in urine output, weakness, excessive thirst, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. If you notice signs of dehydration, consult your doctor immediately.

Diarrhea usually occurs due to infections. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to hygiene rules. Washing hands frequently, applying hygienic precautions after using the toilet and before preparing food can reduce the risk of infection. Also, make sure your child is in a hygienic environment and avoid untreated water or food. Abdominal pain does not directly cause vomiting, but the causes creating abdominal pain often lead to vomiting as well. Therefore, vomiting may accompany abdominal pain. Some common reasons why nausea and vomiting can be seen together in children are:

Digestive system infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children. These infections are usually transmitted through food or water and can progress with diarrhea.

Gastritis: Defined as inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, gastritis can manifest with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children. Gastritis sometimes occurs due to infections, certain medications, or improper dietary habits.

Ulcer: Although it is a rare condition in children, ulcers can form in the stomach or duodenum. In this case, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes bloody vomiting can be seen in the child.

Appendicitis: Appendicitis, known as inflammation of the appendix, is associated with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in children. Appendicitis is an emergency disease, requiring rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Intestinal obstructions: Along with severe abdominal pain, there is also severe vomiting. Surgical treatment is frequently required.

Gas and bloating: Abdominal pain can occur in children due to gas and bloating. This condition can stem from swallowing air, eating quickly, or certain foods not being digestible. Gas and bloating usually pass on their own.

Defecation: Some children may experience abdominal pain during defecation. These pains are usually short-term and mild. After a normal defecation, the pain usually disappears.

Stress or emotional factors: In some children, stress, anxiety, or emotional factors can lead to abdominal pain. These pains usually appear during stressful periods or when experiencing emotional difficulties, and are generally mild and short-term.

These conditions are usually temporary and mild abdominal pains and are not worrisome. However, if your child's abdominal pain is severe, continuous, or seen together with additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bloody stools, it is important to consult our Child Health specialists at Hisar Hospital. To make an appointment, you can visit our appointment page or fill out the form below. Our specialist physicians will evaluate your child's condition and determine the appropriate treatment.