Child Frequently Complains Of Stomach Ache. What Could The Cause Be?

Posted on Fri, 7 Jun 2013

Question: Hello,
I have a 4 years old daughter, she complains of stomach ache quite often, not sure of the reasons.
what can i do,
Thanks
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (38 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Stomach ache is a common symptom in children around this age group.

And you observe the child for any other associated symptoms to know the stomach pain is significant or not.

Significant stomach pain is usually associated with other symptoms like vomitings, loose stools, fever, urinary complaints such as burning micturition, frequency or urgency of micturition, and abdominal distention.

Fixed, localized pain in one area, pain associated with other symptoms, pain waking her from sleep and causing disturbance in her activity and play are concerning and requires medical attention and investigations.

Pain complained before taking food, after food, pain around the umbilicus, pain not fixed to one area, without pain on touch are usually of nonspecific types of pain abdomen. In this type of pain usually there will be no underlying pathology.

But physical examination is required for once to rule out any significant problem.

Investigations like ultrasound abdomen and pelvis, complete urine examination, and stool routine examinations to be done after physical examination by pediatrician.

Therefore I advise you to consult pediatrician for physical examination followed by basic investigations. If this is normal you can stop worrying.

Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. E Venkata Ramana (1 hour later)

Thanks a lot doc for detailed response,
Infact i have not observed any associated symptom in her , when she complains of pain. she doesnt suffer from vomiting,urine infection etc often.

she usually complains of stomach pain while/before/after having food.
i also gave her deworming dose 1 week back , but her complain is regular.

is this a point of worry or looks casual.

Thanks
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (9 minutes later)

Hi Viya,

Thank you for getting back.

It seems your child is complaining of a nonspecific abdominal pain as there are no other associated symptoms of concern.

Nothing to worry and this type of stomach ache is a common problem in children around this age.

The stomach pain around their meal time is common in children and most of the times it is of non significant pain.

But I advise you to consult pediatrician whenever she complains of the pain for physical examination followed by aforementioned basic investigations to rule out any underlying organic cause for her stomach pain.

Hope I have answered your query, if you have nay clarification please let me know.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. E Venkata Ramana (1 hour later)

Hi Doc,

Thanks a lot for the clear and helpful suggestions.

As i am very new to bangalore, could you please suggest me, which doctor can i go and consult for the same.
I stay at koramangala 3rd block.

Thanks
Viya

Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (9 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXX,

Thank you for your appreciation and feedback.

As I stay in Hyderabad, I don't know much about the doctors in Bangalore.

But near by you one good hospital is there-St.Jhon's Hospital. You can consult the pediatrician there for the examination of your daughter.

And thank you very much for kind feedback.

Regards.

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar