What Causes Stomach Pain in Children

Stomach pain in children can be categorized into two main types: chronic and acute, each with distinct underlying causes.

Chronic abdominal pain typically develops gradually and may persist over a longer period. Common causes include improper diet, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. Another possible cause is mesenteric lymphadenitis, which involves the swelling of lymph nodes in the abdomen. These conditions usually require careful diagnosis and long-term management.

On the other hand, acute abdominal pain, also known as acute abdomen, comes on suddenly and is often more severe. Conditions such as appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, intussusception, and allergic gastroenteritis fall into this category. Prompt medical attention is crucial for these cases to prevent complications.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, certain urological conditions like kidney or ureteral stones can also lead to stomach discomfort in children. Moreover, lower lobe pneumonia may cause referred abdominal pain due to the shared nerve pathways across the diaphragm and abdominal cavity.

Lastly, less common but important causes include abdominal epilepsy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, especially when symptoms like skin rashes or bleeding spots on the legs accompany the pain. Recognizing these signs early can help ensure timely treatment and better outcomes.