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What Causes Frequent Abdominal Pain In Children?

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Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015
Question: Hi, My son, 4 years old, has abdominal pain frequently which typically occurs in the lower abdomen. He complains cramping which increases after meals (especially with milk and spicy foods). The pain is reduced by eating smaller meals. We are noticing this problem for the past two months. We approached doctor and we have been told that he will be alright over the time. Ultrasound showed mesentric nodes in intestine (but not significant). Please suggest us what to do for this. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It seems to be due to hyperacidity. Lifestyle modification required

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. However, a clinical examination could have given me some important clues to the possible cause of the pain. For example, the pain due to acidity and gastritis could be concluded if the pain is located in the upper central abdomen. Usually in case of hyperacidity, people are benefitted on taking small meals and in such cases the pain is aggravated on taking spicy foods. You should continue it small meals and avoid spicy foods. Milk intolerance is pretty common and is known to trigger hyperacidity. So, all these facts align in the same direction. Giving him Lanzol Junior tablet once daily before breakfast should help.

I am not worrying about the mesenteric lymph nodes.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Thanks for your reply. He is having pain in the lower abdomen and not at the upper central abdomen. Do you still think the pain could be due to acidity and gastritis?
1. My son was born in US and at the age of 3 months, he started having formula (Similac). At the age of 2 years he moved to XXXXXXX Is there anything to do with the immunity? Is there any chance of Inflammatory Bowl Disease?
2. His mom mentioned that some two months back, before the pain started, he had drumstick leaves (boiled) in food. (Many parents complain that their children suffer stomach pain after eating drumstick leaves, due to infection).
Thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid milk and wheat related products. Curd or yogurt should be given.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

I understand that the pain is not in the upper central abdomen but still without a proper clinical examination it is hard to evaluate the cause. A lower abdominal pain could be due to constipation / irregular bowel habits / urinary tract infection. But that does not mean that gastritis could not be there alongside.

I do not think that there could be an issue with immunity. I would not worry about inflammatory bowel disease at the moment. However, there could be an issue with wheat digestion (gluten enteropathy). You can try eliminating all wheat related and milk products and try out for at least a fortnight.

I cannot comment on whether there has been any relation with taking boiled drumstick leaves. However, I doubt if that could be responsible.

Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Frequent Abdominal Pain In Children?

Brief Answer: It seems to be due to hyperacidity. Lifestyle modification required Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. However, a clinical examination could have given me some important clues to the possible cause of the pain. For example, the pain due to acidity and gastritis could be concluded if the pain is located in the upper central abdomen. Usually in case of hyperacidity, people are benefitted on taking small meals and in such cases the pain is aggravated on taking spicy foods. You should continue it small meals and avoid spicy foods. Milk intolerance is pretty common and is known to trigger hyperacidity. So, all these facts align in the same direction. Giving him Lanzol Junior tablet once daily before breakfast should help. I am not worrying about the mesenteric lymph nodes. Regards