Question
A 6-year-old child frequently complains of pain around the navel, but upon examination, there are no lumps, no painful spots, no symptoms of diarrhea, and normal stools. There are no signs of wind-cold. What could this be?
Answer
This condition could be pediatric intestinal spasm, a common physiological phenomenon in children, usually characterized by sudden pain around the navel or upper abdomen, lasting for a short duration, generally not more than 30 minutes, and capable of recurring. After the pain subsides, the child’s condition usually returns to normal. As this is not a disease, no special treatment is required. During an attack of pain, parents can let the child lie flat, bend their lower limbs, and gently massage around the child’s navel (the parent’s hand should remain warm); or apply a hot towel or hot water bottle to the navel area for heat therapy. These methods usually help alleviate the pain.