Common Causes of Tummy Aches in Children

Common Causes of TUMMY ACHES in children and non-prescription remedies Abdominal pain is a common problem that affects babies and Gas discomfort is very common among infants older kids alike. Common culprits are painful gas, food or drink sensitivities, or anxiety and stress. Though worrisome, most types of stomachaches INCORRECT FEEDING/EATING HABITS and CRYING 75% Can result in too much air intake are not serious and resolve quickly. There are several kinds of remedies that may help. is an estimated percentage of newborns and babies that experience bouts of the tell- tale symptoms. Both breast- fed and bottle-fed babies are affected. While gas pains can afflict babies at any age, they are particularly common in newborns between one and four months of age, as their delicate digestive systems develop and learn to function. IMMATURE/IMPROPER DIGESTION Child's gut is having diffi- culty processing food and eliminating gas and stool effectively SYMPTOMS CAUSES Mild cramping Gastroesophageal reflux Eating Crying, agitation junk foods Food Bloating sensitivity Constipation GAS A very Eating too much or too little food common cause of stomachaches Hunger Indigestion Stress or anxiety Eating too fast Colic - INTESTINAL FLORA is building up or may be out of balance FOOD SENSITIVITIES or ALLERGIES May include carbohydrate and gluten sensitivity STRESS or ANXIETY Brain-gut connection, nervous system sensitivity REMEDIES 19 31 PHYSICAL INTERACTION OVER-THE-COUNTER OPTIONS DIET PROS CONS Safe and gentle way to relax so body can better self heal Massage requires time and effort to REST/MASSAGE/ DISTRACTION perform and may require training Calming, may provide soothing relief May cause frequent urination, kids may HERBAL TEAS/ SUPPLEMENTS not like taste May have limited effectiveness for Treats source of the HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE problem, natural ingredients, pleas- ant taste, widely available some conditions $$ Promotes gut flora balance, may Improvement may take a long time, taste may not be favorable PROBIOTICS strengthen immune system $$ May temporarily improve symptoms by changing pH Unpleasant taste, alters natural gut functioning ANTACIDS $$$ May treat gas at the top of the stomach, widely available Often ineffective, made from synthetic ingredients, soapy SIMETHICONE GAS DROPS $$$ taste Tummy Calm If your child has severe pain or symptoms that are concerning to you, please contact a health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for professional medical care or advice. InfoNewt COMPILED BY TJL ENTERPRISES, INC. MEDICAL CONSULTANT: ANGELIKA RAMPAL, MD, PEDIATRICIAN www.tummycalm.com/tummy-aches-infographic.html %24 %24 %24 %24