Question
What should I do if my child always has abdominal pain?
Answer
Abdominal pain is one of the common symptoms in children. The severity of abdominal pain varies, but parents should pay attention to the nature and location of the pain, as well as the timing, accompanying symptoms, and triggering causes. Do not administer painkillers to children without a doctor’s diagnosis. While this may temporarily alleviate the pain, painkillers do not cure the condition; after use, the condition may continue to worsen, thus masking the illness and delaying treatment. It is important to maintain a quiet and restful environment, and to arrange a diet that is light, easy to digest, and nutritious. Generally, a liquid diet can be consumed initially, and as the pain subsides, gradually transition to semi-liquid foods and regular meals. It is absolutely forbidden to give children fried, rich, or spicy and irritating foods. Pay attention to cooking techniques to attract children’s appetite, and it is advisable to eat small meals frequently; porridge can be used to aid digestion.