Question
A parent inquired about their child’s frequent abdominal pain (especially around the navel) and loss of appetite. The child has a poor appetite, and is shorter than same age peers by half a head. Although the child has taken deworming medication, no worms have been found. The child usually experiences abdominal pain after returning from kindergarten, which improves with the use of a hot water bottle. The parent wants to understand the cause of the child’s frequent abdominal pain and why the child has a loss of appetite.
Answer
Doctors explain that some children may experience a condition known as “intestinal spasm,” which typically causes sudden, localized pain around the navel, with normal symptoms during intervals. This condition is common in infants aged three to four months. However, the exact cause is not yet fully understood and may be related to an immature central nervous system or constitution, or may be due to improper feeding, overeating, excessive cold food, food allergies, or indigestion. Intestinal spasm may be a transient intestinal spasm caused by sympathetic nervous system excitation, leading to temporary obstruction of intestinal contents and causing severe cramping. For loss of appetite, it may also be related to intestinal spasm or other digestive system issues and requires further observation and examination. Doctors advise parents to maintain a balanced and moderate diet for their child, avoid overcooling or excessive food intake, consider possible allergens, and observe for other digestive system symptoms, seeking medical attention as needed.