Gas Pain in Toddlers

KayaWell Icon

Gas Pain in Toddlers

Gas – Everyone has it, no matter how small or big we are. We eliminate it by burping or passing it on the other end.  Passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is normal for both adults and children. Even though it is entirely natural and unavoidable, it can be embarrassing.  Furthermore, when gas does not pass easily, pain often results…upset stomach, bloating and cramping.

Children are particularly susceptible to discomfort caused by gas as their delicate digestive systems develop and learn to move gas through their digestive tracts effectively.  Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms and treatment will help most find relief. If a child has persistently painful or extreme gassiness, it should be brought to the attention of your doctor, as it could be the sign of a more serious medical problem.


. Duration of the pain: Most simple causes of abdominal pain do not last long. Most of us have experienced gas pains or the stomach/gut flu, and recall that the pain was usually gone within 24 hours. Any abdominal pain that continues longer than 24 hours should be evaluated by a physician.

. Location of the pain: Most simple pains are located in the center of the abdomen. The child will rub around his or her belly button. Pain felt in other areas is more concerning. This is especially true of pain located low and down on the right side of the abdomen. Pain in that area should be considered as appendicitis until proven otherwise. 

. Appearance of the child: As a general rule, if the child looks very ill in addition to being in pain, medical help should be sought. Often, the caregiver "just knows" the child is very sick. When abdominal pain occurs, key things to look for include pale appearance, sweating, sleepiness or listlessness. It is most concerning when a child cannot be distracted from the pain with play, or refuses to drink or eat for several hours.


. Rash: Certain serious causes of abdominal pain also occur with a new rash. The combination of skin rash with abdominal pain is a reason to contact your doctor. Continue Reading. Vomiting: Children vomit quite frequently with abdominal pain, but vomiting does not always indicate a serious problem. However, as with the duration of the pain, most simple causes of vomiting go away very quickly. The rule again is that vomiting for longer than 24 hours is a legitimate reason to call the physician.

. Nature of the vomiting: In infants and very young children, vomiting that is green or yellow is a reason to call the doctor. At any age, vomiting that appears to contain blood or darker material is a reason to seek emergency care.

. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is also common with abdominal pain and usually indicates that a virus is the cause. This can continue for several days but usually only lasts less than 72 hours (three days). Any blood in the stool is a reason to seek medical care.

. Fever: The presence of fever does not always indicate a serious problem. Indeed, a normal temperature can be seen with the more serious causes of abdominal pain.

. Groin pain: One serious problem that a boy may describe as abdominal pain actually comes from somewhere else. It is testicular torsion, a condition in which a testicle twists on itself and cuts off its own blood supply. The child may be embarrassed to mention the location, so you should ask if there is any pain "down there." A testicular problem is usually easy to fix if treated early enough. So, if a child complains of pain in the groin area or testicles, seek medical emergency care.

. Urinary problems: Abdominal pain associated with any trouble urinating, such as painful or frequent urination, could indicate an infection and is a reason to seek medical care.
. Use of certain antibiotic medications. If your child is affected by some infection, the medications that you have been giving him may trigger excess formation of gas.

. Lactose intolerance. Your baby may be intolerant to lactose, which is commonly found in milk and most milk products

. Diet changes. You may have introduced your kid to some new foods which may be causing excess formation of gas.

. Several times, children may also swallow large amounts of air while eating or drinking. It causes increased flatulence.

. Not drinking enough water. It may sound surprising, but not keeping up with water intake can cause problems in the digestive system.

. Major digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, viral infections and celiac disease may also be responsible for flatulence.
1. Burping after every feed:
Infants who are breastfed must be burped after every feed.

Don’t make them lie down once they have had their full.

Take your baby in upright position, pat her back and carry her for sometime. This avoids most of the gastric troubles in infants.

2. Bicycling your baby’s legs:
Bicycling your baby’s legs few times a day keep the gas away. The rotations relieve them of gas and soothe pain, if any.

It is an easy method which can involve singing, talking and playing. This technique keeps them happy, active and playful too.

3. Massaging with mustard oil:
Giving a gentle massage with warm mustard oil daily is a very healthy method.
Apart from calming the digestive system, it also strengthens the bones, brightens skin and  promises a sound sleep.

4. Heat fermentation:
Dip a soft cotton towel in warm water and place it on the baby’s tummy after squeezing out excess water. This eases the gastric pain and baby feels at peace.

Please make sure that the towel is not too hot for the baby. Check for warmth by placing in your hand first.

5. Ajwain ka pani or Carrom seed water:
Boil water with a handful of ajwain (carom seeds) and set aside.

Keep giving this water at frequent intervals. This remedy is best for babies of 6 months and above.

https://www.emedicinehealth.com
http://www.momjunction.com
https://www.bumpsnbaby.com

Gas Pain in Toddlers

Comments