If your child complains of any type of abdominal discomfort or pain, take it seriously. Pain that is consistent or comes back frequently is considered recurrent, explains the American Family Physician. Recurrent stomach aches can indicate that there is an underlying medical condition that needs prompt attention. If he has been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition such as acid reflux disease, diet changes and medication may be able to help.
Symptoms
Children often times have different ways of explaining certain aches and pains in their stomach. If your child is very young and still a baby or toddler, it can be challenging for him to tell you where exactly the pain is coming from. Stomach or abdominal pain can also be referred to as cramping, where the stomach feels like it's tightening up and the muscles are clenching together. The University of Maryland Medical Center, explains that abdominal pain can be felt anywhere, ranging from the chest down to the groin area. Your child may complain of mild pain, aches or a piercing, hot pain in the belly area that comes and goes.
Causes
In children, there are several causes of recurrent stomach aches. Because there are many organs in the abdomen, stomach aches could be the result of something minor or major that needs attention. One cause for concern is the acid reflux disease or GERD. Stomach aches, heartburn, vomiting and coughing can be signs that acid is rising into the esophagus on a frequent basis, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Kidneys are also a concern and can spark recurrent stomach aches, indicating there may be a problem with function.The digestive organs including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder and liver can also cause recurrent stomach pain.
Complications
Pain that continues to recur in a child's stomach can be the sign of a serious medical problem and cause further complications. A ruptured appendix can be life-threatening if not removed promptly, notes Children’s Hospital Boston. A stomach ache that reoccurs could also be an indication of an intestinal blockage, in which surgery would be required. Stomachaches that are related to gastrointestinal distress due to an ulcer need to be treated immediately to prevent internal bleeding.
Solution
Your child's pediatrician will likely run a series of tests to pinpoint why the stomach aches return. A CBC, or complete blood count, is a test in which blood is drawn and examined to point to abnormal conditions. An abdominal ultrasound that examines the liver, gallbladder, intestines and kidneys is a good diagnostic tool and can lead to an accurate diagnosis.
References
- American Family Physician; Chronic Abdominal Pain in Childhood: Diagnosis and Management; Alan M. Lake, M.D.; April 1, 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Abdominal Pain Overview
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Children's Hospital Boston: Appendicitis
- Lab Tests Online: Complete Blood Count
