#asktheexpert hi...my daughter regularly complains of stomach ache 95% of the times while going to school in morning.

Question

Accepted Answer

If your daughter regularly complains of stomach pain in the morning before school (95% of the time), it could be due to physical or emotional reasons.

Possible Causes & Solutions 1️⃣ Anxiety or Stress-Related Stomach Pain

🔹 School Anxiety – Fear of a teacher, bullying, performance pressure, or separation anxiety.
🔹 Emotional Stress – If something is troubling her at school (peer issues, new environment).

✅ What to Do?
✔️ Talk to her calmly about school and her feelings.
✔️ Reassure her that she is safe and school is fun.
✔️ Observe if her pain disappears on weekends or holidays (a strong sign of anxiety).
✔️ Speak with her teacher to check if something is bothering her.

2️⃣ Digestive Issues (Constipation, Gas, or Indigestion)

🔹 Does she poop regularly in the morning? – Irregular bowel movements can cause pain.
🔹 Eating too fast or skipping breakfast – Can lead to bloating and discomfort.
🔹 Lactose intolerance or food sensitivity – Milk, dairy, or certain foods might trigger discomfort.

✅ What to Do?
✔️ Ensure she drinks water first thing in the morning.
✔️ Give her fiber-rich foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains) to prevent constipation.
✔️ Avoid heavy, greasy, or dairy-based foods if she feels bloated.

3️⃣ Acid Reflux or Gastritis

🔹 If she has burning pain or burping, it could be acidity.
🔹 Drinking milk or spicy food at night might worsen it.

✅ What to Do?
✔️ Give light food at night.
✔️ Avoid junk/spicy food.
✔️ Provide a banana or soaked raisins in the morning for relief.

🚨 When to See a Doctor?

If she has:
❌ Severe pain, vomiting, fever, or weight loss.
❌ Pain even on holidays or at night.
❌ Pain in a specific area like the lower right side (appendix concern).

If the issue is mostly in the morning before school, it’s likely anxiety or emotional stress. Try reassuring her and observing patterns. Let me know if you need help with school-related anxiety! 😊