What Can I Do About My Child's Ongoing Stomach Cramps?

Belly pain in kids isn’t exactly uncommon, but as a parent, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch your child suffer. The good news is, most belly pain isn’t a sign of anything serious. Still, some causes do require medical intervention, and knowing when to seek treatment is essential.

At One World Pediatrics, our team is skilled at diagnosing the cause of chronic belly pain — and in recommending treatment that can help. Here, learn some of the common causes of stomach pain, what you can do to help your child feel better, and when a visit with our team is in order.

Common causes of chronic belly pain

Like adults, kids can have belly pain for lots of different reasons. Diagnosing the underlying reason for ongoing discomfort is the key to finding a solution that helps your child feel better.

Constipation

Constipation can happen at any age, and with it, symptoms of cramping, bellyaches, and bloating. Factors like a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough water, and not getting enough physical activity can all lead to constipation and make its symptoms worse. 

The good news? In most cases, constipation clears up with a combination of lifestyle or dietary changes and gentle laxatives to help the bowels move more regularly.

Food allergies

Other kids develop belly pain as a symptom of food allergies or sensitivities. Dairy, gluten, and some food additives can irritate the digestive system, leading to belly pain, bloating, and sometimes even nausea. Keeping a food diary is a simple, very effective way to identify the foods or ingredients that cause problems.

Acid reflux

Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer from acid reflux — more commonly known as heartburn. Reflux happens when stomach acids move backward into the esophagus, causing pain in the belly and chest area. 

Spicy or greasy foods, big meals, and eating right before bedtime are all potential culprits. As with allergies, keeping a food diary can help identify patterns leading to reflux.

Underlying medical conditions

Chronic belly pain can also be a sign of a more complex underlying issue. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are usually associated with recurrent or persistent cramps, often accompanied by other symptoms, like diarrhea or fatigue. 

Liver issues, appendicitis, and even cancer can cause chronic pain, too, which is why having a medical evaluation is so important.

Emotional stress

Finally, it’s important to note that your child’s emotional state can also play a major role in digestive discomfort. The gut-brain axis is a network of nerves that allows communication between your gut and your brain. 

When your child is upset by school issues, social concerns, or problems at home, it can take a direct toll on their stomach, causing ongoing pain that’s best calmed by addressing the emotional upset that’s causing it.

What you can do

If your child has belly pain regularly, it’s important not to ignore it. Even when belly pain is caused by something simple and benign, it’s still a big deal to your child, taking a toll not only on their physical comfort, but on their emotional well-being, too.

Keeping track of when they experience symptoms provides us with important clues for determining their cause. Making sure they eat plenty of fiber and stay active and hydrated may help clear up noir issues. If your child’s pain interferes with daily activities or sleep or if it’s accompanied by fever, nausea, or weight changes, it’s essential to seek medical treatment right away.

To be sure no serious medical issues are involved, having a medical exam is an important first step. During your child’s visit, we ask about symptoms, perform an exam, and may order diagnostic imaging, blood tests, or other lab work to help us determine a cause and map out treatment.

Find help for your child’s stomach pain

Ongoing stomach pain can have serious repercussions for your child’s health and wellness, even if the cause is something relatively simple. Identifying the cause is the key to finding relief and protecting your child’s overall well-being.

To find out what’s causing your child’s belly pain and how to relieve it, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood and Apopka, Florida, today.