Abdominal Pain Management Specialist

What is abdominal pain management?

Abdominal pain management is a branch of pediatrics that diagnoses and treats gastrointestinal issues. Children of all ages experience stomach aches for various reasons, including eating too fast or experiencing anxiety. 

Most instances of abdominal pain resolve on their own, but if your child’s symptoms persist or interfere with their daily routine, contact the team at Newton Pediatrics.

What are some common causes of pediatric abdominal pain?

At Newton Pediatrics, the team treats various causes of abdominal pain, including:

• Indigestion (heartburn)
• Stomach viruses
• Constipation
• Stress or anxiety
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Your child might also experience abdominal pain due to appendicitis, a condition that causes sudden and intense inflammation of the appendix.

When should I take my child to a doctor for abdominal pain management?

Make an appointment for your child at Newton Pediatrics if they develop abdominal pain lasting 24 hours or longer. That’s especially true if the pain comes and goes, alternates in severity, or occurs alongside other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

What happens during an abdominal pain management appointment?

At Newton Pediatrics, an abdominal pain management appointment begins with a review of your child’s medical history and a discussion of their symptoms, including when they first started, where the pain occurs, and if certain activities, like eating, make them worse. 

Next, your child’s provider gently presses on their abdomen to pinpoint areas of sensitivity. They might also ask your child about their bathroom habits, including when they last had a bowel movement. 

If an exam can’t pinpoint the source of your child’s symptoms, their provider might also order an abdominal ultrasound or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging techniques can identify underlying issues like a hernia, an inflamed appendix, or constipation.

How is abdominal pain treated?

Treatment of abdominal pain depends on several factors, including the severity of your child’s symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, Newton Pediatrics recommends conservative measures of care, including:

• Getting lots of rest
• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating a bland diet
• Using a heating pad to ease cramps
• Taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain

If your child’s abdominal pain results from a more serious issue, like appendicitis, surgical intervention might be necessary. 

To learn more about the benefits of abdominal pain management, make an appointment at Newton Pediatrics by calling the nearest office or using the online booking feature today.