It is common for children to experience a tummy ache once in a while. Usually, the pain goes away on its own or with a warm compress or mild pain medication.

However, sometimes the pain can be a sign of an underlying problem requiring immediate medical attention.

Here are some reasons why tummy aches may become a concern for your child:.

Gastroenteritis or Stomach Flu

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Common symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The infection spreads easily, especially among young children attending daycare.

Dehydration due to loss of fluids during diarrhea and vomiting can be dangerous, especially in infants and toddlers. If you suspect that your child has gastroenteritis, visit your child’s pediatrician for prompt treatment.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires surgery.

Symptoms include severe pain in the lower right abdomen, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If your child exhibits these symptoms, take them to the emergency room right away.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacterial growth in the urinary tract. In young children, especially girls, UTIs can cause abdominal pain, fever, and urine with an unusual odor or color. An untreated UTI may lead to kidney damage.

Visit your child’s doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Constipation

Constipation is a commonly overlooked cause of tummy aches. It occurs when stools become hard and difficult to pass, leading to infrequent bowel movements. Constipated children may feel bloated, have low energy, and experience cramping pain.

If your child is constipated, encourage them to drink more water, eat fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and take regular bathroom breaks.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where the body lacks sufficient lactase enzymes to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms include bloating, gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Lactose intolerance can be managed by reducing or eliminating dairy products from your child’s diet or taking lactase enzyme supplements.

Food Allergy or Intolerance

Some children may experience tummy aches due to a food allergy or intolerance. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and skin rashes.

The most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, consult an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that affect the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most common types of IBD in children.

Symptoms include persistent stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. IBD requires long-term management by a specialist.

Intussusception

Intussusception is a rare but serious condition that occurs when one part of the bowel slides into the next, causing a blockage. It mostly affects infants and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and blood in stool. Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect intussusception.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that form in the kidneys and can cause severe abdominal or flank pain. Children with kidney stones may experience nausea, vomiting, and painful urination.

The causes of kidney stones in children can be due to inherited conditions, diet, or underlying health conditions such as UTIs or inflammatory bowel disease. Seek medical attention if your child has symptoms of kidney stones.