Since it's easy for even a small child to explain that his stomach hurts, it's necessary to use your child's other symptoms to decipher what stomach cramps mean. In some cases, stomach cramps are a mild side effect of normal childhood illnesses, but in rare cases, stomach cramps signify a serious medical problem and the need for immediate medical attention. Learn the difference using other symptoms to know when to offer comfort and when to contact your doctor.
Intestinal Virus
The vast majority of stomach cramps in children are attributed to intestinal viruses, such as the stomach flu. The stomach flu, not to be confused with influenza, is swelling and irritation of the lining in the stomach, resulting in a sour, unsettled tummy. When your child has an intestinal virus, he may also have a fever and experience diarrhea. Intestinal viruses are generally untreatable, so you'll need to offer comfort when your child feels sick, riding out the two or four days until the virus has run its course.
Gas and Constipation
Your child's digestive system is still immature, which is why constipation and gas are common in kids, particularly after changing aspects of their diet. When your child is dealing with constipation, small, hard, pellet-like stools are indicative of a problem, as is a fear of using the bathroom altogether. Offensive gas and waste builds up in the intestines, leading to abdominal pain. Fruit juice, daily exercise and proper hydration helps to loosen stools, but see a pediatrician of your child remains constipated for more than three or four days.
Stress
One often-overlooked catalyst for stomach cramps is simple stress. Worrying about performance in school, stress over being bullied or anxiety at home can all lead to a reaction in your child's digestive system. He could lose his appetite, complain of feeling sick of have gas and diarrhea as a result of stress. If stress is the culprit, it's important to explore the various causes of stress and how to address and cope with those feelings so your child doesn't have such a physical reaction to daily activities.
Appendicitis
One of the most dire causes of stomach cramps is appendicitis, or the swelling of the appendix to the point of bursting. A burst appendix is potentially deadly, so it's important that you seek medical help as soon as you notice a problem. Appendicitis is identified by a sharp pain around the belly button and lower right side of the abdomen. The pain is constant and becomes worse over time, resulting in a refusal to walk. Go to the emergency room immediately, where an appendectomy will be performed to remove the appendix altogether.
