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Children are often susceptible to developing stomach pain, which can be distressing. Recurring stomach discomfort is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal problems in children, affecting 10% of school-age children and adolescents. Various reasons contribute to stomach pain. However, not all stomach aches require medicine. If your child frequently complains of stomach pain, then it should be adequately managed with home remedies, medications, or through a consultation with a paediatrician.
This article shares 5 safe, easy, and effective home remedies for stomach pain in kids to naturally relieve your child’s tummy troubles.
Synopsis
Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Kids
Some of the common causes for stomach pain in kids are:
- Gas or indigestion
Pain from gas or indigestion is common among most children. The main cause of gas pain is unhealthy dietary habits, such as consuming too many carbonated drinks, spicy foods, caffeine, or processed food.
- Food poisoning
When children ingest food infected with bacteria, they develop food poisoning. The germs grow because the food is undercooked, poorly heated, or not stored properly. Food poisoning symptoms in kids include nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea sometimes with blood, headache, fever, and weakness.
- Constipation
Young kids often develop constipation if they do not eat enough fibre. Pain around the belly button or the left side of the lower abdomen could be a sign of constipation.
- Overeating
If the child consumes excess food, they can develop stomach pain. Kids who eat quickly may not realise they have overeaten.
- Lactose intolerance
Children who lack the enzyme lactase can develop lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar present in milk and milk products. When such youngsters ingest milk, they may have gastrointestinal discomfort and cramps, diarrhoea, or gas.
- Stress
When children are stressed or worried, they can develop stomach pain. If the stomach pain has no apparent cause, then talk to your child to see if they are worried about problems at school or with friends.
- Stomach virus
Bacterial or viral infections in kids can affect the stomach and cause pain. These infections are often contagious and can spread between children. First, the infection begins as stomach pain and is followed by vomiting and diarrhoea.
5 Effective Home Remedies for Stomach Pain
Stomach pain in kids usually resolves with some rest, a bowel movement, passing gas, or after recovering from a stomach virus. If the pain does not subside, you can consider the following home remedies for stomach pain in kids:
- Yoghurt
Although it is believed that dairy items can adversely affect your child’s upset stomach, the opposite is true for yoghurt. It contains bacterial cultures that are healthy and effective in treating stomach aches. These cultures help increase the number of good bacteria, help in digestion, as well as reduce bloating in the stomach.
- Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a refreshing drink made from dried chamomile flowers, which can help reduce stomach pain in your child almost immediately. It has natural sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea made from chamomile also helps relax the muscles in the upper digestive tract and eases the contractions that help food move from the stomach to the small intestine. As a result, it helps relieve spasms and tummy aches. However, you must not give more than three cups of chamomile tea to your toddler in a day.
- Ginger
Ginger is an excellent spice for treating stomach aches in toddlers. It is known to relieve nausea and bloating and also helps improve overall digestive health. Children can chew on small pieces of ginger, or they can consume it in powder form. Also, you can boil the ginger in water and offer it to your child after it has cooled down. Children under the age of two, however, might not be able to use the spice.
- Honey
Honey is considered a natural digestive aid because it contains antioxidants, sugar, and carbohydrates that are beneficial for relieving stomach pain. You can offer your child a spoonful of honey mixed with warm water.
- Warm Compress
A warm compress is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for tummy aches. You can gently apply heat to your child’s abdomen using a warm water bottle or a heating pad wrapped in a soft cloth. The warmth will help increase blood flow to the surface of the skin and help mask the sensation of pain. It must be performed cautiously in young children and is not recommended for toddlers.
When to Consult a Doctor for Stomach Pain in Kids?
If your kid is experiencing any of the following symptoms with a stomach ache, you should visit a healthcare practitioner:
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Severe pain in the stomach
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Dehydration
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Blood in vomit or green-coloured vomit
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Blood in stool
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High-grade fever
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Loss of consciousness
Conclusion
Parents can try safe and simple home solutions like yoghurt, chamomile tea, ginger, honey, and warm compresses to ease their child’s tummy troubles. While occasional stomach pain in children is often mild and manageable at home using natural remedies, recurring or severe discomfort should not be ignored. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by serious symptoms, it’s important to consult a paediatrician.
For expert care and guidance, you can visit Manipal Hospitals Mukundapur, where experienced paediatric specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for children's digestive concerns.
FAQ's
If the child’s stomach pain is persistent or severe, then it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. In certain circumstances, more testing may be required to discover the underlying reason.
Home remedies are generally safe in children, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before trying any new remedies, especially when the pain persists or worsens.
You can try natural remedies like yoghurt, chamomile tea, ginger, honey (for children over 1), or a warm compress. These help soothe digestion and relieve mild tummy pain.
Kids should avoid spicy, fried, or oily foods; carbonated drinks; dairy (if lactose intolerant); citrus fruits; and processed snacks. These can irritate the stomach and worsen discomfort.
Yes, a warm compress is generally safe and effective for relieving stomach pain in children. However, always use it with caution—wrap it in a soft cloth, test the temperature, and avoid using it on toddlers to prevent burns.
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