Dubai, UAE- Many children with abdominal pain recover quickly without treatment and do not require medical attention. If your child's pain or problems last more than 24 hours, or you are concerned about them, take them to a pediatrician in Dubai immediately. Chronic abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, psychological conditions, and functional abdominal pain syndrome. The pain can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your child's daily activities, including their ability to participate in school and other activities. If your child is experiencing chronic abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention from a pediatrician to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan. Here are a few things you can do for your child.


Have them eat a healthy diet
Most children with chronic abdominal pain just need to eat a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are essential for good health. Include plenty of these in your child's meals every day, including vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or lemon juice if they are suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting due to an infection.

"Eliminate processed foods as they often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can exacerbate digestive problems. Encourage your child to eat more whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins," says Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, best pediatrician in Dubai.

Fibre is important for digestive health and increasing fibre intake can help relieve your child's abdominal pain by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing bloating. Adequate hydration is essential for their digestive health and can help relieve abdominal pain - encourage your child to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Include probiotic-rich foods as they help support digestive health and relieve abdominal pain.

It is important to note that every child is unique and may have specific dietary needs based on their individual medical history and symptoms. Before making any changes to your child's diet, it is advisable to consult with a best pediatric doctor in Dubai.

Reduce their stress levels
Stress is one of the most common causes of chronic abdominal pain. Kids can be stressed out at school, with family problems, or through other sources like peer pressure. Moreover, children who experience chronic pain often face difficulties in school, relationships, and social activities. Proper management of their stress can help improve their mental health, boost their self-esteem, and encourage them to participate in normal childhood activities. It's important to model healthy stress management behaviours and attitudes in your child such as taking breaks, practising self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook.

“Encourage regular physical activities such as playing sports, dancing, or going for a walk, as it can help your child release stress and improve their mental well-being. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation, can help your child calm their mind and body when they feel stressed. Encourage them to build strong, positive relationships with family members, friends, and other trusted adults as it can provide a source of support and comfort during stressful times,” says Dr. Medhat


Encourage your child to keep their body active
Gentle exercises such as walking or light stretching can be beneficial for children with chronic abdominal pain. It is important to consult with a pediatrician or a physical therapist before starting any exercise program for your child, especially if the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. In some cases, specific abdominal exercises may be recommended to help improve the strength and stability of the abdominal muscles, depending on the individual child's condition. The pediatrician or physical therapist may also recommend modifications or modifications to specific exercises to help reduce discomfort or pain.



Examine the pain if you’re concerned
Parents must seek medical attention for their child if they are experiencing chronic abdominal pain, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve their quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to know how to examine the pain for different ages.

Toddlers: With the youngest children, you'll have to go primarily by their mood. Your baby may be grumpy, crying, otherwise unhappy, or acting strangely. Keep an eye on your child's body language for all of these and look for hints. Are they grabbing their stomach? Are they refusing to eat their favourite foods? Do they have any other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, that could indicate they're in distress? Remember that even if you ask your toddler what's wrong, their response may not give you a complete picture. Trust your gut in this case. If your intuition tells you something is wrong, consult your pediatrician.

Children: Children's ability to communicate with their parents grows with them. Your child may state unequivocally that their stomach hurts or point to the source of the pain. Ask them questions like where exactly is it painful? How is it making you feel? Since when are you having the pain? Is there anything else bothering you? Encouraging your child to share more information will help you understand the type of pain they're experiencing and also give you an idea of what steps you need to take next.

Teens: They are good narrators of their pain. By questioning them the same way you would with younger children, you’ll be able to identify the type, area, frequency, and duration of their abdominal pain. If they have a log or have kept track, this information can be used by your child's pediatrician to help determine the cause.

Visit your pediatrician immediately if your child is experiencing pain.

Look for other symptoms
A mild stomach ache may not be a cause for concern. On the other hand, if your child exhibits other symptoms, it indicates that your child needs medical attention.
Your child is inconsolable or claims to be in severe pain
Your child's abdominal pain is in the lower right area. This could be a sign of appendicitis, which would necessitate surgery. Pain around the belly button is an earlier warning sign of an appendix problem
There is blood in the vomit. Green vomit is the other colour to be concerned about, as it could indicate an intestinal blockage
Your child’s abdominal pain is accompanied by fever
You notice blood in your child's stool
Your child complains that urinating hurts
Your child suffers from allergies
Your child is losing weight, is sluggish, has infection symptoms, or complains of anything out of the ordinary
Your child has pain that is unrelated to food, activity, or bowel movements

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately

Chronic abdominal pain can be a warning sign of more serious problems so it is important to recognize that fact and act on it promptly. The symptoms of chronic abdominal pain are often vague and may mimic other conditions, so it’s important to rule out other causes before making an exact diagnosis. If you are concerned about your child’s health and want to make sure they don't have something more serious going on, it's best to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible.


About myPediaclinic: myPediaclinic is one of the leading pediatric clinics in Dubai. Our team of qualified award-winning pediatricians at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City are highly experienced in dealing with a child's chronic abdominal pain and ensuring their physical and emotional well-being. We provide state-of-the-art care to young patients in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere with efficient treatment. Our pediatricians will work together with you to provide the best possible care and support for your child.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment