Understanding Tummy Problems in Kids: The Usual Causes

 A child crying “awii” because of stomach pain brings frustration to many parents.  Kabag, pagtitibi, pagtatae and bloatedness are some of their digestive concerns. Here are some facts to help understand the common reasons of tummy pain in children.

1. Colic or Kabag

Ano ito?

• Ito ay isang behavioral condition among babies 1-4 months old regarded as unexplained stomach pain.¹

Bakit nagkakakabag?

• The cause is not well understood but may be due to gut immaturity, environmental hypersensitivity or allergen exposure.^1,2
• Anxiety of tired parents na nararamdaman ni baby¹
• Imbalance ng good at bad bacteria sa tiyan²
• Lactose malabsorption²

Ano ang symptoms?

• Prolonged crying na mahirap pakalmahin at walang kahit anong sakit si baby

Dapat Gawin?

• Ang pagiging “cool” during crying ay nagpapahinahon kay baby at ang parental reassurance ng doktor ay helpful.
• Probiotic like Lactobacillus reuteri helps in bringing back the normal microbial balance sa tiyan,³ while ang low-lactose feeding naman ay tumutulong sa paghupa ng sintomas.
• Gentle belly massage relaxes the baby’s tummy.
• Ang Aceite de manzanilla at ibang oil ay hindi recommended.

2. Constipation o Pagtitibi

Ano ito?

• Ito ay isang behavioral problem na nagdudulot ng problema sa pagdumi ng bata.

Bakit Nagtitibi?

• Dahil sa matitigas at malalaking stools, nagkakaroon ng anal wound at bleeding leading to “trauma” at stool withholding⁴

Ano ang symptoms?

• Difficult and infrequent stools 3 times or less per week with or without stomachache, vomiting at poor appetite⁴

Paano lunasan?

• Laxatives are safe and needed to overcome the child’s phobia until makadevelop ng proper toilet habit.⁴
• Lactobacillus reuteri also helps improve stool frequency.⁵
• Normal amount of water and fiber for age is recommended.⁴

3. Acute Gastroenteritis o Diarrhea

Ano ito?

• Isang gastrointestinal infection occurring for <14 days at nakukuha from contaminated food or water and poor hygiene^6,7

Bakit nag-dadiarrhea?

• Rotavirus infection ang usual cause in infants although bacteria and amoeba may also happen^6,7

Ano ang symptoms?

• Three or more watery stools per day, infrequently mucoid or bloody, with or without fever, vomiting and stomachache^6,7

Pano lunasan?

• Oral rehydration salt, continuous breastfeeding at sapat na nutrisyon to prevent dehydration.^6,7
• Low-lactose diet helps in decreasing diarrheal episodes, especially in malnourished children.⁸
• Zinc and Lactobacillus reuteri promote faster bowel recovery and prevent recurrence.⁷
• Proper handwashing and clean food preparation at all times^6,7

4. Lactose Intolerance

Ano ito?

• Inability to digest lactose, an important sugar in milk

Bakit nagkakaroon nito?

• During prolonged diarrhea, nagkakaroon ng kakulangan ng lactase enzyme needed to absorb lactose⁹

Ano ang symptoms?

• Tummy-ache, farting, bloating, at persistent diarrhea usually after lactose-containing diet⁹

Paano gamutin?

• Continued breastfeeding restores the lost enzymes and helps in recovery.⁹
• A low-lactose diet among non-breastfed allows gut healing.⁹
• Iwasan ang sugary food and drinks upang hindi lumala ang sintomas.

So, the next time na umiyak si baby because of stomachache, you have an idea whether it’s kabag, pagtitibi, pagtatae or malabsorption. But, of course, it is always best to consult your pediatrician.