#asktheexpert Dr my son 3yr 6 month old is having issue whenever he eats anything he got stomach pain and run towards toilet.
please advise the treatment

Question

#asktheexpert Dr my son 3yr 6 month old is having issue whenever he eats anything he  got stomach pain and run towards toilet.
please advise the treatment

Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear your son is experiencing these issues. Frequent stomach pain and urgent trips to the toilet after eating can be distressing for both the child and the parents. Here are some potential causes and steps you can take:

### Potential Causes
1. **Food Intolerance or Allergy**: Common culprits include lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity (celiac disease), or allergies to specific foods.
2. **Infections**: Viral or bacterial infections can cause symptoms like stomach pain and diarrhea.
3. **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)**: IBS can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea.
4. **Gastroenteritis**: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often due to infection.
5. **Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)**: Acid reflux can cause stomach discomfort after eating.
6. **Constipation**: Sometimes, even if a child is having diarrhea, they may have underlying constipation which can cause discomfort.
7. **Functional Abdominal Pain**: Pain without a clear underlying cause, common in children.

### Steps to Take
1. **Consult a Pediatrician**: The first and most important step is to consult your pediatrician. They can perform a thorough examination and may order tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

2. **Keep a Food Diary**: Track what your child eats and any symptoms that occur afterwards. This can help identify any patterns or trigger foods.

3. **Hydration**: Ensure your child stays well-hydrated, especially if experiencing diarrhea.

4. **Dietary Adjustments**:
   - **Eliminate Potential Triggers**: If you suspect certain foods might be causing the symptoms, try eliminating them one at a time to see if there's any improvement.
   - **Small, Frequent Meals**: Offer smaller meals more frequently to see if this helps reduce symptoms.
   - **High-Fiber Foods**: If constipation is suspected, increase fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

5. **Probiotics**: Consider giving probiotics (like yogurt or probiotic supplements) to help balance the gut flora, but consult your pediatrician first.

6. **Monitor and Record Symptoms**: Note the frequency, duration, and severity of the symptoms. This information will be helpful for the pediatrician.

7. **Avoid High-Fat and Spicy Foods**: These can sometimes exacerbate stomach issues.

8. **Ensure Proper Hand Hygiene**: If an infection is suspected, encourage regular hand washing to prevent the spread of germs.

### When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Severe or worsening pain
- Blood in stool or vomit
- High fever
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or lethargy)

### Conclusion
While some cases of stomach pain and diarrhea in children are minor and resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out any serious conditions and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

#asktheexpert Dr my son 3yr 6 month old is having issue whenever he eats anything he got stomach pain and run towards toilet. please advise the treatment