Colic in Toddlers
Colic in infants is usually associated with immature digestive systems and disappears within a few months. Colic in toddlers is more often referred to as a stomachache and has other causes. Either way, the stress brought on by stomach pain affects both children and parents.
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Indigestion or Gas
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Indigestion or gas that accumulates in a child's stomach can have many causes, among them gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli or cauliflower. Fatty foods or even foods that are high in fiber can irritate a stomach if the child is sensitive.
Fruit juice can cause stomach upset (including diarrhea and gas) due to the difficulty some children have digesting fructose and sucrose. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than 4 to 6 ounces of juice per day. More than that can not only bring on discomfort associated with gas but can make a child feel too full at mealtime to ingest more nutritious foods.
Other causes of stomachache in toddlers are carbonated beverages containing phosphoric acid and not drinking enough water to aid in relieving constipation.
Gastroenteritis or Stomach Flu
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Stomach pain accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea may indicate gastroenteritis or stomach flu, an inflammation of the stomach lining usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus. Bouts of stomach flu can last a few hours to a few days. If the flu is bacterial related, it can usually be treated with antibiotics, but most cases of stomach flu are viral and just have to run their course.
Since dehydration can be a serious side effect, children should be encouraged to drink fluids to replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting. If accompanied by fever and loss of appetite, a pediatrician may prescribe an electrolyte to help replace lost minerals and fluids.
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Milk Allergies
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Milk allergies usually surface when a child is weaned off formula or breast milk and begins drinking cow's milk along with dairy foods such as cheese and ice cream. Symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea and occur if the child's immune system fails to accept the enzymes found in milk. Severe cases of milk allergies can led to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition.
Upper Respiratory Illness
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The common cold has the ability to cause stomach pain when mucus runs down the trachea and collects in the stomach. In this case, vomiting is often a relief. When accompanied by sore throat, fever and headache, stomachaches can be a symptom of a more serious condition known as strep throat, which can be treated with antibiotics.
Constipation
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Probably the most common reason for stomach pain in toddlers is constipation due to their systems just beginning to handle the addition of solid foods. Additional fluids to the toddler's diet and foods that have a tendency to soften hardened stool (apricots, pears, prunes and peas) will usually relieve the problem. During those days when constipation seems to be an issue, avoid foods than can have the opposite effect, like bananas, applesauce, carrots and rice.
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References
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