Introduction
Abdominal pain in childhood, especially in a baby, is a common complaint. Since many diseases, whether they come directly from the abdomen or from outside the abdomen, project themselves onto the abdomen and thus become conspicuous, it is important at this point to be able to distinguish whether or not a serious problem is behind these abdominal pains. Parents should therefore learn to follow the course of the pain closely and learn to assess it. In case of doubt, it is certainly important and helpful to consult a pediatrician for clarification, who can explain to parents how to deal with abdominal pain in a baby. Which warning signs one should pay attention to in the case of abdominal pain and how one can deal with harmless abdominal pain, for example by massaging the abdomen or globules, is explained in the following.
What are the signs that my baby has a stomachache?
First of all, it is important to know that not only diseases or regulatory disorders that originate directly from organs in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain in a baby, but that organ systems such as the lungs or metabolic disorders can also manifest themselves in this way. If this is the case, further complaints such as cough, cold, earache or similar symptoms usually occur in addition to the abdominal pain. A bladder infection in babies can also cause abdominal pain.
It is therefore important to examine the baby completely for all organ systems and to put all symptoms into context to find the cause. Often the abdominal organs are actually responsible for the abdominal pain. If the oesophagus or stomach is affected, problems with food intake predominate, e.g. the baby eats worse than usual, spits more often or bumps more often.
If the intestinal function is impaired, diarrhoea, a distended stomach and flatulence with increased air loss are more common. In addition, constipation can also occur in this context, which can cause stomach ache. In general, a baby is very grumpy and whiny when it has abdominal pain, i.e. it cries and cries a lot, does not like to eat and drink, falls asleep or sleeps through badly and hardly feels comfortable in any position.
Often the baby then simply cries until the increased pressure in the abdomen is relieved by a burp or air outlet. The baby is also tired more quickly and does not feel like playing. Bowel changes such as colour changes or sticky stools can also occur in the context of abdominal pain in the baby.
They can indicate food intolerance or fat digestion problems. Sticky bowel movements when baby is stuck behind the abdominal pain serious problems that should be resolved quickly, this is usually expressed by specific symptoms. A warning sign is gushing, explosive vomiting, which is clearly different from the usual spitting after food intake.
In addition, a baby cries out much more shrillly than usual and is even less able to be calmed. Another warning signal is when the baby eats little and therefore does not gain weight or even loses weight. This can be seen in standing skin folds, a sunken fontanel and a bad overall impression of the baby.
Even if the baby is sleepy or appears to be changed in nature, one should be vigilant. If the baby should vomit and have less or no bowel movement, this in combination can be an indication of a passage disorder and a doctor should be consulted immediately. Also failure to thrive or blood in the stool are warning signs. Should the baby suddenly have a devastating abdominal pain without improvement and react very sensitively to touching the abdomen, a medical clarification is important.
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