Leading board certified pediatrician Dr. Nudrat Nauman of Advanced Pediatrics, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating abdominal pain and discomfort in children. There are multiple causes for abdominal problems in children including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroenteritis, acid reflux , constipation, food allergies and sensitivities and many more.

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What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the large intestine and is characterized by a group of symptoms that include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and/or constipation. However, it’s a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that Dr. Nauman will look for all other causes of abdominal pain that need to be looked at and ruled out.

What causes IBS in children?

The causes of IBS are not well understood. However, certain triggers are believed to cause or worsen flare-ups. These include:

  • Certain foods, including fruits, beans, nuts, cauliflower, broccoli, and milk.
  • Stress may exacerbate symptoms but doesn’t cause them.
  • Hormones are thought to possibly play a role.

How is IBS treated?

IBS and many other abdominal problems are treated with lifestyle and dietary changes, and sometimes medication. Avoiding trigger foods, drinking plenty of liquids, taking fiber supplements, exercising, and using stress management techniques are usually first-line treatment recommendations.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is one of the common causes of abdominal pain in children. The cause is usually a virus spread through contaminated food or water or contact with someone who is infected. Frequent hand washing is the best prevention. Symptoms of gastroenteritis commonly include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills

The most worrisome complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration, especially among babies and children. Fluids lost through diarrhea and vomiting need to be replaced.

What is colic?

Colic is characterized by abdominal pain and excessive crying in infants, usually under the age of 4 months. While the exact cause isn’t known, there are a number of theories. One is that colic is due to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the intestines of infants. The good news is that while 10-20% percent of infants suffer from colic, it usually resolves spontaneously by the age of 4 months and doesn’t cause any lasting damage.