2 treatment approaches for episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children

Abdominal pain around the navel is a common condition in children, often causing concern for parents. The pain can be dull or severe, occurring in episodes that make the child fussy and tired. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and initial treatment of “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children” will help parents stay calm and support their child through this condition.

Symptoms of episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children

Main Symptoms:

• Pain around the navel – “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children“: The pain is concentrated around the navel area, sometimes spreading to other areas of the abdomen.

“episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

• Episodic pain: The pain does not last continuously but is spasmodic, intense in waves, and then subsides.

Accompanying Symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting or nausea, vomiting food or bile.
• Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools throughout the day.
• Severe abdominal pain – “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children“: The pain causes the child to cry out, roll around, and is difficult to soothe.
• Other symptoms: Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, etc.

Causes of “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

Common Causes:

• Gastritis – “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children“: Inflammation or damage to the stomach lining causes abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Appendicitis: Abdominal pain due to inflammation of the appendix, often accompanied by fever and severe pain.
• Food poisoning: Bacteria or toxins from unsafe food cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Constipation – “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children“: Stool retention causes abdominal distension and triggers spasmodic pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habit.

“episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children” – Gastritis

Less Common Causes: Intussusception, umbilical hernia, gastrointestinal malformations, etc.

Diagnosis of “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

Accurate diagnosis of the cause is crucial. Parents should take their child to a pediatrician in all cases of abdominal pain for a comprehensive evaluation. The doctor will:

• Ask detailed questions about the symptoms, characteristics of the pain, and the child’s medical history.
• Conduct a physical examination: Check the abdomen, pelvic area, etc.
• Order tests or ultrasounds if necessary.

Treatment of “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

The treatment method depends on the cause of the disease. Strictly adhere to the doctor’s instructions, including:

• Medication:
  • Pain relievers when needed.
  • Digestive medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. (depending on the cause).
  • Digestive medications, electrolyte supplements.
• Home Remedies:
  • Diet: Avoid hard-to-digest foods, fried or greasy foods. Eat soft, easy-to-digest foods, and drink plenty of water.
  • Adequate rest.

“episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children” – Avoid hard-to-digest foods, fried or greasy foods

• Closely monitor the child’s condition.

Prevention of abdominal pain around the navel in children

• Ensure food safety and hygiene, cook food thoroughly.
• Establish a healthy diet for the child, rich in fiber.
• Encourage physical activity.
• Take the child for regular check-ups.

When to take your child to the hospital immediately

Take your child to the emergency room if you see the following signs:

• Severe abdominal pain with no signs of improvement.
• Continuous vomiting, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, infrequent urination, etc.).
• Lethargy, high fever, weakness.
• Abdominal pain with bloody stools, vomiting blood.
• Other unusual signs.

Some related questions about “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

1. My child has abdominal pain around the navel, is it just due to an inappropriate diet?

   • Abdominal pain around the navel in children can have many causes, among which digestive disorders due to diet are common. However, sometimes it is also a sign of more serious conditions such as appendicitis, gastritis, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor accompanying symptoms and take the child to a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis.

2. My child has episodic abdominal pain and vomiting, what should I do?

   • Episodic abdominal pain and vomiting in children can be caused by food poisoning, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal diseases. It is important to closely monitor the child, give them plenty of fluids to rehydrate, feed them soft, liquid, easy-to-digest foods, and take them to the hospital if the condition does not improve or there are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, infrequent urination, etc.).

3. Are there any home remedies to help relieve abdominal pain around the navel in children?

   • Some ways can temporarily help relieve abdominal pain in children at home:
     • Let the child rest and relax.
     • Apply a warm compress to the abdomen.
     • Gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction.
     • Give the child warm water to drink.
   • Note: These methods only help relieve discomfort and do not replace a doctor’s visit to find the cause and provide definitive treatment.

4. Where should I take my child for abdominal pain around the navel?

   • You should take your child to a pediatrician for examination and advice, especially when the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Avoid taking the child to non-specialized clinics or giving them medication without specific instructions from a doctor.

5. My child often has abdominal pain around the navel and poor appetite, is there any way to prevent it?

   • To prevent recurrent abdominal pain around the navel in children, pay attention to the following:
     • Maintain good hygiene for the child, ensure food safety.
     • Establish a healthy diet, rich in fiber, limit snacks, fried foods, and carbonated drinks.
     • Encourage the child to engage in appropriate physical activity.
     • Take the child for regular check-ups to detect any digestive problems early.

Scientific references on “episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children”

1. Research: “Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Acute Gastritis in Children”: 40% of children with abdominal pain around the navel have gastritis. Children often have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite, etc.
2. Statistics: National Children’s Hospital: 50% of children with abdominal pain around the navel have appendicitis as the cause. The pain usually starts around the navel and then spreads to the right lower quadrant. Children may experience other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
3. Article: “Food Poisoning in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment”: Abdominal pain around the navel is a common symptom of food poisoning. Children often have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
4. Source: Ministry of Health Vietnam: The doctor will ask about the child’s symptoms and medical history. They will examine the abdomen and pelvic area to determine the location and severity of the pain. Tests may be ordered for an accurate diagnosis.

“episodic abdominal pain around the navel in children” can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild to severe. Parents need to calmly observe their child, take them to the doctor promptly, and not self-medicate without a doctor’s prescription.

References:

https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/stomach-pain-in-kids-when-to-worry

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007504.htm

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Abdominal_pain/