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Most parents have been there before – waking up in the middle of the night to a whimpering child with sudden pain in their tummy. Although stomach pain is usually not a cause for concern, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. To help you figure out what is causing your child’s stomach pain and how to treat it, read on for more information.

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain, often referred to as stomach or tummy pain is felt anywhere between the chest and the groin. This pain can originate from any one of the organs in the abdominal area such as the appendix, the spleen, the kidneys, the stomach or intestines.

Abdominal pain can take many forms and may feel one or more of the following:

  • Mild
  • Severe
  • Dull
  • Sharp
  • Achy
  • Burning
  • Crampy
  • Constant or intermittent
  • In one spot or difficult to pinpoint
food poisoning in kids Night Lite Pediatrics

What causes children’s stomach pain in children?

There are a number of different reasons why your child might be experiencing stomach pain. Some of the most common include:

Indigestion or heartburn: This can be caused by eating too much, too fast, or by eating spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. Your child may also experience indigestion if they are anxious or stressed.

Constipation: A lack of bowel movement is usually caused by not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Gas: This is caused by swallowed air or the breakdown of food in the intestines. Eating too fast, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated beverages can all cause your child to swallow more air than usual and experience gas.

Gastroenteritis or Gastro: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that is usually caused by a stomach virus or bacterial infection. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Food allergies or sensitivities: This can be caused by eating foods that your child is allergic to or sensitive to, such as dairy, wheat, eggs, or nuts. Symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Appendicitis: This is a serious condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

UTI: The bacteria that causes urinary tract infections can also affect your abdomen, especially the lower area.

Mental health: stress and anxiety is a common cause of abdominal pain not old in adults but in children as well. It is important to take note of your child’s mental health, check in with them regularly to ensure there is nothing that is worrying them.

Period pain: some young girls can have pain before their periods start.

Food poisoning or poisoning: such as eating contaminated foods, spider bites or eating soap may cause an upset stomach. Food poisoning in kids can be serious as they can become dehydrated quickly. 

stomach pain in kids Night Lite Pediatrics

Symptoms indicating its time to visit our urgent care clinic

In most cases, stomach pain in children is not a cause for concern and can be treated at home. However, there are a few situations when you should call the doctor about your child’s stomach pain, such as if the pain is severe, if it does not improve after a few days of home treatment, or if your child has any of the following symptoms:

  • A fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in their vomit or stool
  • Not urinating
  • Not eating or drinking
  • Pain when urinating
  • Severe pain

If your child’s stomach hurts and they start experiencing these additional symptoms, it is best to be seen at Night Lite Pediatrics, and have them evaluated. Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of things, some of which may require medical treatment. By seeking medical advice, you can get peace of mind and ensure that your child is getting the best possible care.

Risks of abdominal pain

In most cases your child’s stomach ache will clear either on its own or possibly with over-the-counter medication, or prescribed medication.

But in some cases stomach ache can be an indication of something more serious.

Depending on the location of the stomach aches these are the potential risks:

Pain in the right upper area: could be an indication of disease related to the liver or gallbladder, for example gallstones, hepatitis, gallbladder inflammation, Bile duct cancer, liver cancer or gallbladder cancer.

Pain in the left upper area: could be an indication of disease in the stomach, pancreas and spleen, such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gastritis, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, kidney stones or kidney infection.

Pain in the upper abdominal area that may be coming from the chest: could be from heartburn, angina, heart issues, pneumonia, pericarditis, pleurisy or pulmonary embolism.

Pain in the lower right area: pain identified in this area may be appendix related. If inflamed it could be appendicitis.

Pain in the lower left area: this could be related to the formation of diverticula, which are small bulging pouches that can form in the colon. Also known as diverticulosis.

If your child’s stomach ache persists for an extended period of time without showing signs of improvement.

Available treatments for abdominal pain

The treatment of your child’s abdominal pain will depend on the cause. Once the correct diagnosis has been made, you may be told to make sure your child rests, gets enough fluids, eats a bland diet, and avoids certain foods.  Medicine for stomach pain for your child may be administered to make them more comfortable.

If the cause is more serious, treatments may include hospital admission or surgery.

What is the cost for abdominal pain treatment?

The treatment costs for abdominal pain will depend on a number of factors, including the cause, if further tests are required, the severity of the case and the decided-upon treatment plan.

We do strive to keep our prices affordable to all. We also accept most major medical health insurance policies and self pay options.

medicine for stomach pain-for child Night Lite Pediatrics

Urgent Care near me for abdominal pain

Night Lite Pediatrics in Florida, has over 80 years of experience in treating children. We understand how stomach pain in kids can largely impact their life as well as their parents. We aim to help children regain their health and vitality as quickly as possible.

Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins and suggested arrival times. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

We also offer Telemedicine appointments for those who cannot make it into the clinic.

Contact us today to schedule a time to be seen.

FAQs

As a parent, it is common to have questions about any illness that could affect your infants.
Below you can find a list of common questions and answers regarding abdominal pain.

If your child complains about a stomach ache for longer than a week, or it is paired with nausea and vomiting, it is necessary to seek urgent care.

To ease your child’s tummy pain you may want to ensure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy greasy foods. Pain medication may be given to ease the discomfort.

Stomach ache is common in kids and can be caused by a number of things, including bacteria, viruses, contaminated foods or even more severe issues with internal organs.       

Stomach ache in kids is common and one of the main reasons for visits to the doctor. Although it is not normal it is common. Persistent or repeated stomach aches need to be addressed.

Food poisoning can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

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