Causes of stomach pain

• Infections: Viruses or bacteria can cause abdominal pain as in case of stomach flu or gastroenteritis.
• Food related: Food poisoning (which acts like a stomach flu), food allergies, excess food ingestion, and gas production all can cause bloating and temporary discomfort.
• Poisoning: This can range from simple problems such as eating soap to more serious issues such as swallowing iron pills or an overdose of medications
• Surgical problems like appendicitis and blockage of bowels.
• Medical causes like complications of diabetes in children can lead to stomach pain.

Diagnosis:

• Blood tests like blood cell count, liver function tests, blood cultures, urinalysis and culture.
• Stool examination for blood, bacteria or parasites.
• Radiographs of abdomen.
• Ultrasound of the abdomen.
• CT scan of abdomen.

Taking care of child at home:

• General suggestions on easing the pain include:
• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest.
• Help your child drink plenty of clear fluids such as cooled boiled water or juice.
• Do not push your child to eat if they feel unwell.
• If your child is hungry, offer bland food such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast.
• Place a hot water bottle or wheat bag on your child’s tummy, or run a warm bath for them. Please take care not to scald yourself or your child.
• Give paracetamol if your child is in pain or is miserable. Please check the packet for the right dose. Avoid giving aspirin.

Seek urgent medical help:

• Go to your local doctor or the emergency department of your nearest hospital straight away if your child has:
• Severe or worsening pain, or if the pain has moved position.
• Fever or chills.
• Become pale, sweaty and unwell.
• Been vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• If the pain is in scrotum or testicle.
• Refused to eat or drink.
• Blood in their vomit or stool.
• Problems passing urine or is producing less than four wet nappies a day.
• Skin rash with pain.
• Any other problem that concerns you.
• If the child looks sick.

Treatment will be prescribed according to the history, physical examination, test results, and the individual child. Treatment may be as simple as sending the child home with instructions for rest, encouraging fluids, and eating a bland diet. Treatment can be as extensive as hospital admission and surgery.