When a stomach bug hits the family, it hits hard! My kids seem to get the stomach bug every couple of months and each time it happens, I try to figure out what the cause of the ailment is.
A stomach bug can be caused by a few different things:
Constipation: Cramping and uncomfortable bloating are the usual symptoms of constipation, plus 2 or more days of not pooping. According to a recent study in the Journal of Pediatrics, constipation causes almost half of all acute abdominal pain in kids.
Reflux: Some kids will wake up in the middle of the night complaining of a burning sensation in their chest and mid-abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is more common in older kids, but young kids can experience it too. IBS in children could mean bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation.
Ulcers: A dull ache that comes and goes. A child may also experience blood in their stool or vomiting.
General Tummy Ache: Sometimes your kids just eat too much or mix too many different types of foods together and wind up getting a tummy ache.
Stomach Bug Cures
- When your kids get a stomach ache it is important to keep them hydrated. I had a hard time getting my kids to drink a ton of water, so I bought a bunch of sports drink in order to pump them full with electrolytes
- Have them take a warm bath to see if that eases the pain
- Have them eat a high-fiber diet in order to get their system back up and working
- Have them sit with a heating pad (be careful that they don’t burn themselves)
Disclaimer: this information is based on opinion and is not provided by a medical professional.