#asktheexpert hi doctor. my kid having severe stomach pain. what should I do immediately

Question

Accepted Answer

if the child is having abdominal pain give syrup colicaid or syrup cyclopam 5 ml to the child for now
then you have to meet the doctor to find the cause of abdominal pain because it can be either due to gas or due to worms or some other abdominal pathology or gastroenteritis, constipation, digestive issues.
in the meantime it is advisable to give only easily digestible food to the child and water and buttermilk curd rice and dal. 
can give poha upma daliya and ffruits.
avoid milk products , packet foods and fried items and heavy diet.
you can continue anti-colic medicines and your doctor may add antacids for the child for few days it will help in decreasing the gas as well as bloating.

Accepted Answer

If your child is experiencing severe stomach pain, it's important to assess the situation quickly and determine the appropriate course of action. Here are the steps you should take immediately:

### Immediate Actions

1. **Assess the Pain:**
   - **Location:** Determine where the pain is located. Is it generalized or focused in one area?
   - **Intensity:** Assess the severity of the pain. Is it mild, moderate, or severe?
   - **Duration:** How long has the pain been present? Did it start suddenly or gradually?

2. **Check for Additional Symptoms:**
   - **Fever:** Check if your child has a fever.
   - **Vomiting or Diarrhea:** Note if there is any vomiting or diarrhea.
   - **Behavior Changes:** Observe if your child is unusually lethargic, irritable, or showing signs of distress.
   - **Appetite:** Check if your child has lost their appetite or refuses to eat or drink.

3. **Comfort Measures:**
   - **Rest:** Encourage your child to lie down in a comfortable position.
   - **Hydration:** Offer small sips of water or a clear fluid to keep your child hydrated.
   - **Warm Compress:** Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the abdomen to help relieve pain.

### When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek medical attention immediately if your child has any of the following:

- **Severe, persistent pain:** Pain that is intense and does not improve.
- **High fever:** Especially if combined with abdominal pain.
- **Bloody stools or vomit:** Presence of blood in stools or vomit.
- **Swollen or hard abdomen:** A distended or firm abdomen.
- **Inability to pass stool or gas:** Signs of possible bowel obstruction.
- **Lethargy or unresponsiveness:** Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking your child.
- **Pain with urination:** Pain or difficulty while urinating.
- **Persistent vomiting or diarrhea:** Inability to keep fluids down or severe diarrhea.

### Contacting a Healthcare Provider

- **Call Your Pediatrician:** If the pain is not severe but persistent, contact your child’s pediatrician for advice. They may provide instructions over the phone or recommend an office visit.
- **Emergency Room:** For severe symptoms or if you are unable to reach your pediatrician, take your child to the nearest emergency room.

### Possible Causes

Understanding potential causes can help you communicate effectively with healthcare providers:

- **Gastroenteritis:** Infection causing stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- **Appendicitis:** Pain starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by fever.
- **Constipation:** Cramping and discomfort due to difficulty passing stool.
- **Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):** Pain and discomfort while urinating, fever.
- **Food Allergies/Intolerances:** Abdominal pain after eating certain foods.
- **Intussusception:** A serious condition where part of the intestine folds into another section, causing severe pain.

### Conclusion

Severe stomach pain in a child should always be taken seriously. Providing comfort and fluids while monitoring symptoms closely is essential. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by alarming symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.