Why does the belly hurt in the navel area of a child and what to do

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

There are many different reasons why a child has a stomach ache in the navel area. Such a symptom may indicate diseases of the digestive tract, genitourinary system, surgical pathologies. A child's complaints cannot be ignored. To establish the exact cause, you need to consult with your doctor.

Common causes of abdominal pain in a child in the navel area

Children often complain of abdominal pain. It is most often caused by digestive problems. Since the baby's digestive system is in the process of formation, it may be difficult to digest foods as a result of changes in diet or diet.

The stomach can also hurt due to inflammatory processes in the stomach, intestines, hernia formation, as well as due to other serious diseases.

Bloating

The increased formation of gases in the intestine provokes the stretching of its walls, from this there is pain. In babies, this often happens if the nursing mother does not monitor her diet or the baby is given inappropriate complementary foods.

At an older age, other reasons contribute to gas formation:

• binge eating;
• violation of the diet;
• excessive consumption of fatty and sweet foods.

Flatulence can also be the result of a stressful condition. In this case, intestinal spasm and an increase in its tone occur, which interferes with the normal functioning of the organ. The result is a fermentation process with the formation of gases.

Colic

If, due to cramps, the stomach in the navel in a child under 1 year old hurts, this is considered a feature of physiology. Colic usually bothers the baby after eating. This condition can be alleviated by folk and medicines that the pediatrician will recommend.

If colic is observed in an older child, this indicates a malfunction in the digestive system. It is necessary to find out the nature of the pain and seek medical help.

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Viral diseases

Various viral infections can provoke abdominal pain. Hepatitis A is accompanied by soreness in the upper right abdomen, in the area of the liver. Viral diseases are often accompanied by other symptoms:

• temperature increase;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• loose stools.

Also, the reason why a child has a stomach ache may be a cough. This comes from the strong tension of the abdominal muscles.

Constipation

Constipation is a common cause of pain in the navel in children of all ages. In this case, the normal functioning of the intestines is disrupted.

The main signs are:

• there is no bowel movement for 2-3 days;
• abdominal pain occurs in bouts of 15-25 minutes;
• painful sensations can be very intense;
• feces of dense consistency.

Such symptoms give the child discomfort and pain and require immediate treatment.

Helminths

Helminthiasis is widespread among children. Infection occurs due to non-observance of hygiene rules, communication with animals. The child is worried about:

• itching in the anal area;
• flatulence and cramps;
• diarrhea or constipation.

As a result of helminthic invasion, in addition to these symptoms, abdominal pain also appears.

If a child has signs of helminthiasis, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician for timely treatment.

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Digestive system pathologies

Peptic ulcer and gastritis can be accompanied by heartburn and pain in the navel. Added to these symptoms are other signs:

• bitterness or acid taste;
• feeling of a full stomach;
• pain that intensifies when the child lies or bends over.

These diseases can be caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, as well as a violation of the diet and eating food that irritates the stomach lining.

Appendicitis

Acute abdominal pain in the navel in a child may indicate an attack of appendicitis. It starts near the navel, then goes to the right side of the lower abdomen. This is an inflammatory process, so it is accompanied by:

• an increase in temperature;
• nausea and vomiting;
• dry mouth.

The child wants to lie with his legs tucked in, a change in position aggravates the situation. Such symptoms are a reason for seeking emergency help.

Umbilical hernia

This pathology occurs due to a weak muscle ring around the navel. It manifests itself as a protrusion of an internal organ, but does not cause concern. Common in premature babies. With age, muscle tone returns to normal, the hernia disappears.

To make the process go faster, physical exercises are recommended, the normalization of the intestines. Babies of the first year of life are laid out on their stomachs 20-30 minutes before meals. A hernia is dangerous because it can be infringed.

Infringement of a hernia is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, fever, refusal to eat.

If the baby begins to cry and show anxiety with light pressure on the hernia with a finger, then an ambulance must be called urgently.

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Gastroenteritis and enteritis

Inflammatory processes in the stomach and small intestine can be a common reason for a child's stomach ache in the navel area. This is facilitated by the entry of viruses and bacteria into the body. Gastroenteritis always has additional symptoms:

• loose stools;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased gas formation;
• rumbling in the stomach.

In some cases, there is an increase in body temperature. Such diseases can occur in a chronic form if the diet is not followed, or the child has helminthiasis.

Why does the stomach hurt?

There are many reasons why babies have a stomach ache. The child's digestive system has not yet been formed. She can react sharply to inappropriate food. They often have lactose intolerance, which is accompanied by abdominal discomfort. At school age, painful sensations in the navel can be a concomitant symptom of other diseases:

• pyelonephritis, cystitis;
• flu, SARS;
• pancreatitis;
• disorders of the nervous system.

Such ailments are accompanied by other characteristic signs. To establish the exact cause, you need to contact the clinic for examination.

What to do when a child has a stomach ache

Painful sensations in the abdomen often bother infants and older children. The cause may be colic or serious pathologies that are caused by infection and inflammation. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after examination and examination. We need to try to alleviate the condition of the child.

What to do for parents before the arrival of a specialist:

1. Put the baby to bed. He should lie in a comfortable position (on his side or stomach) with bent legs.
2. Ensure the flow of fluid into the body. You can give warm water - 50 ml every 30 minutes.
3. Do not insist that the child eat.

Do not apply a heating pad to the sore spot. The heat causes vasodilation, which leads to an increase in blood flow to the site of inflammation, and this can worsen the patient's condition.

Experts do not recommend giving painkillers and antispasmodics, as this will make it difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. Also, you can not give enemas without a doctor's prescription. Call an ambulance if the condition worsens:

• the temperature rises;
• there is a sharp and severe pain in the abdomen;
• abdominal muscles are hard, painful;
• frequent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.

Usually, abdominal pain is treated at home, but in some cases, medical attention in a hospital cannot be dispensed with.

Preventive measures

It is necessary to organize the daily routine, diet and follow the general recommendations of the doctor. What parents should do for prevention:

• wash vegetables and fruits well;
• avoid overeating;
• feed only compatible foods;
• observe the drinking regime;
• make sure that the child washes his hands after the street, visiting the toilet, communicating with animals;
• do not give fatty and sweet foods for dinner;
• if possible, protect the baby from stressful situations;
• every year to be tested for helminthiasis.

Doctors advise not to self-medicate, but to seek medical help on time and follow the recommendations of a specialist.

Outcomes

Children often complain of abdominal pain in the navel area. The reasons can be different, therefore, a doctor's consultation is always necessary. To prevent many stomach problems, you need to follow preventive measures, normalize nutrition and daily regimen.