What Causes Stomach Cramps, Vomiting And Nausea In Children?

Hello Dear. Your child might be having some food poisoning somewhere where he eats. Ask your child not to take any food outside and eat at home, hot cooked food. If vomiting, diarrhoea is sever, take your child to a pediatrician who may prescribe antibiotics, probiotics and ORS powder. See to it that your child is adequately hydrated. Let him drink lot of water, coconut water, lime juice, ORS etc. If he has severe dehydration then the doctor may suggest to get admitted and take IV fluids. Hygiene is very important. Teach your child the importance of hand washing and hygiene. To tell you in detail about some tests to diagnose the cause of pain abdomen in children: Abdominal Pain in Children Diagnosis: Abdominal pain in children has several potential causes, affecting multiple organ systems, each requiring a unique set of diagnostic tests. The doctor will obtain a thorough history and examine the child, which likely will include a rectal exam to evaluate the presence of blood. From this information the doctor may order additional tests. 1. Blood probably will be drawn and sent to a laboratory for blood cell counts (complete blood count, CBC), liver function tests, blood cultures, amylase/lipase levels, and/or lead level. 2. A urine sample may be obtained and sent for urinalysis and culture. 3. A stool sample may be obtained to check for blood, bacteria, or parasites. Imaging studies (X-rays and related studies) may be taken to evaluate the abdomen. Other tests may include: 4. Ultrasound of the abdomen/testicles 5. CT scan of the abdomen Abdominal Pain in Children Treatment: Abdominal pain in children can often be treated with home care. Assure the child is getting enough rest, give fluids to avoid dehydration, avoid solid food, aspirin, antibiotics (unless prescribed by a physician), and herbal supplements. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be given if the child has a mild fever. Medical treatment should be sought if the child has a high fever, has had diarrhea longer than 24 hours, or has been vomiting longer than 24 hours. A parent or caregiver must be observant and should contact appropriate help at the appropriate time. Monitor a child especially closely during recovery until the child is better. A teenager may not want to be bothered but still should be monitored. 1. Rest: A child with active abdominal pain often will benefit from resting. Lying face down may help relieve gas pain, but the optimal position is that which feels best to the child. 2. Diet: People can survive a long time without solid food but need to keep up on liquids. Dehydration takes time to develop, so forcing fluids is not always necessary. A child who is actively vomiting will not be able to hold down a large amount of liquid. Doctors recommend giving small amounts (1-2 ounces) at a time (every 15-20 minutes typically) until the child can handle more. Avoid tinted, carbonated, caffeinated, fatty, or excessively salty or sugary liquids (such as dark colas, tea, coffee, milk, sports drinks, and fruit juices). 3. Fluids to give: Do not give water or boiled milk to infants, because it can cause serious problems with the salt content of their bodies. Also, milk is harder for a sick stomach to digest. Doctors recommend various dehydration liquids. For example, Pedialyte can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription. Try to get the infant back on the usual feedings as soon as possible. Good choices for older children include ginger ale or simple soup broth. Avoid milk, fruit juices, heavily carbonated beverages, coffee, and sports drinks (such as Gatorade) in patients with diarrhea, since the stomach may not tolerate these fluids. If an older child asks for soft drinks, avoid those with caffeine. Shaking the fizz out of carbonated beverages may make them more tolerable for an ill child. 4. Solid foods: The child will let you know when it is time to get back on solid food. Start them slowly, first try toast or crackers then advance to regular foods as they tolerate the feedings. Banana, apple sauce, plain toast, or cooked rice are also suitable foods for introduction after a full liquid diet. 5. Medications: You can use acetaminophen (Aspirin Free, Children s Silapap, Panadol, Liquiprin, or Tylenol) to control fever. Most doctors still avoid aspirin in children. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor. Physicians do not recommend herbal medicines or other home remedies. If you use them and later see a physician, be sure to tell the physician exactly what you gave the child, because such material could affect the treatment recommendations. Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you. All the best With warm regards Dr Sanjay Kini