Although stomach pain in children is usually not indicative of any serious medical issues, it can be uncomfortable for children and worrisome for parents. If it occurs after eating, the potential causes might range from upset stomach or heartburn to food allergies or food poisoning. If your child experiences stomach pain---even if it is mild---it is important to schedule an appointment with her doctor, so he determine what is causing the pain.
Food Poisoning
Sudden stomach pain after eating---especially if your child is also vomiting or experiencing diarrhea---can point to food poisoning as the culprit behind the pain. According to pediatrician Dr. William Sears, the author of "The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two," this is not poisoning in the usual sense, but instead illness caused by bad bacteria in the food. This type of stomach pain usually occurs about one to eight hours after eating.
Upset Stomach or Heartburn
On his website, Sears identifies an upset stomach--due to lactose intolerance or milk allergies-- heartburn, gastritis and ulcers as some potential causes of stomach pain after eating. The pain from gastritis--an inflammation of the stomach lining-- and heartburn--an overproduction of stomach acid--is usually located in the upper middle and left side of your child's belly, right below his rib cage. Foods that commonly trigger heartburn include greasy or fried foods, tomato sauces and citrus juices or fruits.
Identification
Keep a pain diary detailing when your child's pain occurs, the length of time it lasts, the severity of the pain and the exact location of the pain. Since the pain occurs after eating, you should also keep track of the foods your child eats at each meal and whether your child experiences stomach pain afterward. This information can help the doctor find the cause of your child's pain and discomfort.
Considerations
The more serious causes of stomach pain, such as tumors, celiac disease or organ problems, usually involve other symptoms along with the stomach pain. The pain will also usually happen throughout the day or night, not just after your child eats. Nationwide Children's Hospital suggests watching for "red flags" that can indicate something more serious, such as vomiting, weight loss, bloody diarrhea or blood in the urine. Report these symptoms immediately to your child's primary care provider.
Prevention/Solution
You can take steps at home to soothe and comfort your child while you wait to see her doctor about her stomach pain. Sears suggests giving her an antacid to control heartburn---ask your doctor for specific brand recommendations. A glass of milk can also alleviate the burning pain associated with heartburn. Giving your child a warm bath or placing warm towels or a heating pad (turned on the lowest setting) on her belly can also relieve some of the discomfort caused by an upset stomach.
