Is it normal for my child to have stomach aches so often?
November 9, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear Doctor,
My name is Verena Hahn and I am very worried about my child. My daughter, Lisa, is 8 years old and has been suffering from recurring stomach pains for some time now. These occur almost daily and affect her both at home and at school.
I have already tried to find out if there is a connection with her diet, but I could not identify any clear patterns. Lisa eats healthy and balanced, drinks enough, and also has no problems with constipation or diarrhea. I also could not identify any psychological problems or sources of stress that could explain her stomach pains.
I am very concerned that the frequent stomach pains could be a serious medical issue. Is it normal for a child of her age to suffer from stomach pains so often? Are there possible causes that I have overlooked?
I would like to ask for your assessment of the situation and possible solutions to alleviate Lisa's suffering and to find out what could be the cause of her stomach pains. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Verena Hahn
Dear Mrs. Hahn,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise. It is understandable that you are concerned about your daughter Lisa experiencing frequent stomachaches. It is important to identify the cause of her discomfort in order to alleviate her suffering and potentially initiate appropriate treatment.
Stomachaches in children can have various causes, from minor digestive issues to serious illnesses. It is positive to hear that you have already ruled out some possible causes such as diet, bowel problems, and mental stress. However, there are still other possible causes that should be considered.
One common cause of stomachaches in children, for example, is irritable bowel syndrome. This can manifest as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Food intolerances or allergies can also lead to stomachaches. It may be advisable to consider nutritional counseling or allergy testing to identify potential triggers.
Furthermore, organic conditions such as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, infection, or gallbladder disease can also cause stomachaches. In some cases, psychological factors like stress or anxiety can also lead to physical symptoms such as stomachaches, even if you have not found clear signs of them so far.
To accurately determine the cause of Lisa's stomachaches, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with a pediatrician or a pediatric gastroenterologist. The doctor will conduct a thorough medical history, physical examinations, and potentially order further tests such as blood tests, stool samples, or imaging procedures to make an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to take Lisa's symptoms seriously and support her in finding a solution. In the meantime, you can continue to monitor her diet to identify potential triggers, and ensure she is drinking enough water and getting enough exercise.
I hope that my information helps provide some clarity on Lisa's situation. Do not hesitate to consult a specialist for further examinations and a professional opinion. I wish your daughter Lisa a speedy recovery and am available at any time for further questions.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Meier
