What is it about ?
We talk about recurring stomach aches when the symptoms last at least 3 months and disturb the normal functioning of the child. In most cases, it is a functional disorder: bowel function is disturbed without an organic cause being found. An organic cause, such as inflammation of the stomach or esophagus, is of course always possible.
Symptoms may be nausea or vomiting, loose stools, heartburn, and, in older children, headache. In rare cases, it may be gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (for example, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), an abnormality of the thyroid gland, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammation of the pancreas. In case of lactose intolerance, the child suffers from bloating, flatulence (gas in the intestines) and diarrhea no later than 2 hours after a meal containing dairy products.
Where do we meet them?
They most often occur in children between 6 and 12 years old. At least 1 in 3 children have psychosocial problems. However, most children with recurrent stomach aches come from “normal” families. Scientific research has not been able to demonstrate a psychological cause to explain the symptoms. Lactose intolerance usually develops after the age of 3 or 4 years.
How to recognize them?
If your child regularly complains of an upset stomach, the symptoms recur often over a period of 3 months and have an impact on the child’s functioning, see the general practitioner.
How is the diagnosis made?
In the event of recurring stomach aches, the doctor first listens carefully to the story of the child (and the parents). From this, he can sometimes already make a connection between the symptoms and certain meals or certain circumstances. The doctor will perform a clinical examination focusing on the stomach.
The diagnosis of gluten intolerance is based on blood tests. However, it is confirmed by a biopsy of the small intestine. Other clinical pictures, such as chronic inflammation or a problem with the thyroid gland, can also be detected by a blood test.
Lactose intolerance can be confirmed with a hydrogen breath test.
In some cases, a stool sample is examined for inflammation of the stomach caused by bacteria (Helicobacter Pylori). Sometimes we also have recourse to a gastroscopy.
What can you do ?
In the case of specific food intolerances, treatment consists of adjusting the diet, for example removing dairy products. In case of gluten intolerance (celiac disease), gluten should be banned from the diet. Its not always easy. With functional bowel disease as well, you should try to find out which products trigger the symptoms and then avoid them.
What can the doctor do?
In the case of functional bowel disease, it is particularly important that the general practitioner give you good information about it, especially that it is usually mild. The main thing is that the child can resume his normal (school) activities. The doctor will give advice on a balanced diet to relieve the pain. Completely eliminating pain is often impossible. In case of food intolerance or allergy, treatment also consists mainly of nutritional advice.
In some specific clinical pictures, such as inflammation of the stomach and reflux, stomach acid medications are sometimes needed.
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