What Are The Possible Causes For Stomach Ache In Children?

Posted on Tue, 3 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 3 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My son 6 yrs old is suffering from frequent stomach-ache, although his x ray, ECG, is normal. then also he complains of stomach ache. (stomach ache is not continous, it is frequent, may be daily or may be once or twice in 3-4 days, but very sever)

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (17 hours later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer follows. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to health care magic. Stomach ache in children could be because of several causes. Some times infections could be cause of stomach ache. There may be blood and mucus in the stool if infection is the cause of stomach ache. Does your kid have such problem. Some times constipation could be a cause of stomach ache in children. Does your child pass stool normally or is he constipated. Several conditions like urinary tract infection, hepatitis etc could be causes of stomach ache. Is your kid having problems like loss of appetite or increased frequency of urination or burning urination etc.? Is his growth normal for his age? Some times anxiety can be responsible for stomach ache in children. Inter parental disharmony, a rude teacher at school, force feeding, problems with siblings etc could be responsible for stress and stomach ache. So if all the investigations are normal try to find out if there is any stress responsible for his stomach ache. Continue to ask further queries as required. Hope this helps. Take care. Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty M.D.(Pediatrics) Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (8 hours later)

Sir, Thanx for prompt response. Yes he suffers from constipation, he passes stool in 2-3 days. also some times mucus is observed in his stool. Please advice what to do to overcome his constipation problem as local pediatrician has also been consulted regarding same but constipation problem still persisits.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer follows Detailed Answer: Hi, Constipation in children occurs if they are taking low fibre diet and junk foods. Give your child diet rich in fruits and vegetables. See that he takes the whole fruit and not fruit juices. Give her lot of water to drink. Stop colas, fried food, junk food, sweets etc Ask your kid to play a lot running around and do not allow him to sit infront of the computer or television. Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar