Abdominal pain in children is surprisingly common, and it can leave parents feeling helpless as they watch their child struggle with discomfort. Whether it’s a mild tummy ache or recurring pain that seems to have no clear cause, it’s important to understand what might be behind the discomfort and how you can help your child find relief. Holistic approaches, including diet changes and stress management, are a great place to start.
Read more about abdominal pain in children below, and if you would like to set up a consultation with a gastrointestinal health expert in Singapore, contact Dr. Radhika Kamat.
What Causes Tummy Aches in Kids?
Tummy aches in children can result from a wide range of causes. Often, the reasons are as simple as overeating, consuming too much sugary food, or not drinking enough water. However, in other cases, the cause may be less obvious. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 15% of children experience functional abdominal pain, meaning no organic cause for the pain can be found. Symptoms can range from nausea, lack of appetite, and gas, to bloating, cramping, and even headaches. Some children might experience these symptoms for months before seeking medical attention.
Functional abdominal pain is often tied to factors like diet, food sensitivities, or stress. For many children, these tummy aches are related to how their digestive system processes certain foods or reacts to stressors in their daily life.
What Are Common Types of Abdominal Discomfort in Kids?
Functional abdominal disorders are among the most common causes of chronic tummy aches in children. These disorders do not result from a structural issue within the digestive tract but are instead related to how the digestive system functions. Below are some common examples:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome causes pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. According to a 2019 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, IBS is prevalent in 10% of children worldwide.
Abdominal Migraine
This condition often affects younger children and can present as severe abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some children who experience abdominal migraines may also develop regular migraines as they grow older.
Functional Dyspepsia
Children with functional dyspepsia experience pain or discomfort in the upper stomach area, usually related to meals.
Functional Constipation
A common issue in children, functional constipation can cause discomfort and cramping due to infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
Each of these disorders can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, leading to missed school days and disrupted activities.
Functional Abdominal Disorders in Kids
Functional abdominal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and abdominal migraines have become more widespread in recent years. While there is no single cause for these disorders, a few factors often contribute. One is visceral hypersensitivity, a condition in which the intestines become overly sensitive to normal stimuli, causing pain when there should not be any. According to research from Gastroenterology & Hepatology, stress can also heighten a child’s sensitivity to pain by amplifying the way the brain processes discomfort. As a result, children may feel pain more intensely than usual.
Diet also plays a role. In some cases, food sensitivities or intolerances to ingredients like lactose, fructose, or certain carbohydrates can trigger abdominal pain. While these sensitivities may not always appear on standard medical tests, many parents find that eliminating problematic foods from their child’s diet leads to relief. Dr. Radhika Kamat specializes in functional medicine in Singapore, and if you are a local who needs help, please get in touch.
Why Are Digestive Disorders Common in Children These Days?
The prevalence of digestive issues in children seems to be on the rise. Several factors contribute to this, including modern dietary habits and the pressures of a fast-paced lifestyle. Today, children consume more processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients than in previous generations. Studies show that carbohydrate malabsorption, specifically with lactose and fructose, is a common trigger for abdominal pain in children. According to a study published in Nutrition and Metabolism, reducing fructose in the diet helped ease digestive discomfort in a significant number of young patients.
In addition to diet, stress has a large impact on the digestive health of children. Children face stress at school, home, and even through social media, which may cause chronic digestive issues. Stress can disrupt the gut-brain connection, leading to imbalances in the digestive system. The link between stress and digestive health is well-documented, with research from Pediatrics International showing that children under stress are more likely to experience stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
How To Help Your Child Through Holistic Medicine
For parents seeking a holistic approach to treating their child’s abdominal pain, naturopathic medicine offers valuable solutions. A naturopathic doctor can assess your child’s diet, stress levels, and overall health to identify potential causes of the digestive distress. The first step involves understanding the child’s diet and lifestyle. According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, dietary interventions, such as eliminating specific food sensitivities, can reduce symptoms in many cases of functional abdominal pain.
Herbal medicine and probiotics are commonly used in holistic treatments. For example, studies show that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 are effective in helping with abdominal pain and constipation in children. According to a 2020 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, these specific probiotic strains reduced pain and improved gut function in children suffering from functional digestive disorders.
Stress management techniques can also play a role in easing tummy troubles. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga can help children manage stress and lessen the likelihood of experiencing digestive pain. Naturopathic doctors may recommend these practices to complement dietary changes and herbal remedies. A thoughtful, well-rounded approach that includes both mental and physical strategies can provide lasting relief for children dealing with chronic abdominal pain.
You Can Help Your Child Live a Healthier Life
Chronic abdominal pain in children is a growing issue, but by understanding the underlying causes and exploring holistic treatments, parents can help their children find relief. From addressing diet and potential food sensitivities to managing stress and using natural supplements, there are many ways to support a child through digestive discomfort. Always consult a naturopathic practitioner or healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially when it comes to children.
References:
Korterink, Judith J., et al. “Epidemiology of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: a meta-analysis.” PloS one 10.5 (2015): e0126982.
Berni Canani, Roberto, et al. “Diagnosing and treating intolerance to carbohydrates in children.” Nutrients 8.3 (2016): 157.
Hutson, J. M., et al. “‘Rapid transit’constipation in children: a possible genesis for irritable bowel syndrome.” Pediatric surgery international (2019): 1-9.
Urbańska, Magdalena, and Hania Szajewska. “The efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infants and children: a review of the current evidence.” European journal of pediatrics 173.10 (2014): 1327-1337.
Rutten, Juliette MTM, et al. “Nonpharmacologic treatment of functional abdominal pain disorders: a systematic review.” Pediatrics 135.3 (2015): 522-535.
Martin, Alice E., et al. “Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017.3 (2017).
