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Belly Button Area Pain For A Child, Frequent Constipation, Urinates Often. Quick Treatment?
Question: Hi
My son is 3 years old and has constantly complained of tummy ache every day for the past 3 months. He explaines it like a leaf falling in his belly! and he points around his belly button. when he has the pain he doubles up and says he needs to lay down. He has no pain when he urinates but he urinates a lot as he drinks a lot! His bowel movement constantly change from constipation for a few days to normal for a few days. I have taken him to the doctors twice who have felt his tummy but have just given me some lactulose to combat when he is constipated. I cannot seem to relate the pain to certain foods and he also has the pain on days when stools are normal. He often complains he gets full up quickly when eating. He hasnt gained any weight since he was 2.5 years. He weighs 30 pounds. I asked the doctor if I could be referred privately but they dont seem to see the need. I am so worried it is effecting his everyday life and I dont know what to do to make him better. Any information will be greatly received. Many thanks
My son is 3 years old and has constantly complained of tummy ache every day for the past 3 months. He explaines it like a leaf falling in his belly! and he points around his belly button. when he has the pain he doubles up and says he needs to lay down. He has no pain when he urinates but he urinates a lot as he drinks a lot! His bowel movement constantly change from constipation for a few days to normal for a few days. I have taken him to the doctors twice who have felt his tummy but have just given me some lactulose to combat when he is constipated. I cannot seem to relate the pain to certain foods and he also has the pain on days when stools are normal. He often complains he gets full up quickly when eating. He hasnt gained any weight since he was 2.5 years. He weighs 30 pounds. I asked the doctor if I could be referred privately but they dont seem to see the need. I am so worried it is effecting his everyday life and I dont know what to do to make him better. Any information will be greatly received. Many thanks
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have provided a detailed history regarding the symptoms. It is admirable that you are very vigilant about your son's health.
Pain abdomen near the belly button in children is most commonly an intestinal colic due to underdeveloped digestive system. Sometimes painful spasms start as soon as the child eats anything. It might be associated with gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance.
You can get an allergy test done at your doctor's office for diagnosis. You also can participate in an elimination diet where you remove gluten and lactose from his diet for two weeks and then slowly re-introduce it back into his diet to see if he develops colic again.
Other reasons for abdominal pain may include constipation due to less capacity to digest the food material by their intestines. There may be gas in stomach and so in intestines; that may again lead to abdominal colic or pain. Children should not be overfed as it may result in vomiting and gastro-intestinal disturbance.
Anti spasmodic syrup may be given in restricted doses for immediate relief. There are some home remedies like giving less than one milliliter of ginger juice and a very little pinch of rock salt.
To rule out the presence of any organic cause, you can go for ultrasound scan and X-ray of abdomen erect under the guidance of your Pediatrician.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Thanks for posting your query.
You have provided a detailed history regarding the symptoms. It is admirable that you are very vigilant about your son's health.
Pain abdomen near the belly button in children is most commonly an intestinal colic due to underdeveloped digestive system. Sometimes painful spasms start as soon as the child eats anything. It might be associated with gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance.
You can get an allergy test done at your doctor's office for diagnosis. You also can participate in an elimination diet where you remove gluten and lactose from his diet for two weeks and then slowly re-introduce it back into his diet to see if he develops colic again.
Other reasons for abdominal pain may include constipation due to less capacity to digest the food material by their intestines. There may be gas in stomach and so in intestines; that may again lead to abdominal colic or pain. Children should not be overfed as it may result in vomiting and gastro-intestinal disturbance.
Anti spasmodic syrup may be given in restricted doses for immediate relief. There are some home remedies like giving less than one milliliter of ginger juice and a very little pinch of rock salt.
To rule out the presence of any organic cause, you can go for ultrasound scan and X-ray of abdomen erect under the guidance of your Pediatrician.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Answered by
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