Children and stomach cramps

It could be something your child ate. Or it could be a virus he or she picked up from someone at daycare or school. Whatever the cause, stomach cramps rarely make their debut alone. Accompanied by any number of symptoms—from diarrhea and nausea to fever and abdominal swelling—stomach cramps are usually a sign that your child's body has been invaded by something that it doesn't like.

Most of the time, stomach cramps that are a result of food poisoning, a virus, or diarrhea can be treated at home. When stomach cramps are accompanied by diarrhea (and they almost always are), take care to provide your child with plenty of fluids, especially if he or she has a chronic condition that compromises the body's ability to fight infection.

If your child feels continuous, acute pain that starts near the navel and moves to the lower right part of the abdomen, monitor your child's condition for three hours. If the pain increases, your child may have appendicitis. Go to the emergency room.

Symptoms/Signs:

Mild to severe abdominal pain that is episodic, intermittent, or rhythmic (as opposed to continuous and acute)

Consult Your Doctor If Your Child:

Has stomach cramps that are accompanied by sudden, severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or high fever.
Has stomach cramps that are localized in the lower-right abdomen.
Has intermittent stomach cramps accompanied by two or more of the following symptoms: vomiting, progressively painful abdominal swelling, progressive constipation (or total inability to move bowels or pass gas), weakness, dizziness, bloody/black stools, foul breath, or low-grade fever.
Has stomach cramps that are not relieved by home treatment measures within three days.

Home Care Ideas:

Keep your child well hydrated when stomach cramps are accompanied by diarrhea. Give your child an electrolyte drink, such as Pedialyte.
Do not use medications, such as anti-diarrheal preparations, intended for adults. Consult your child's doctor for specific advice.
Avoid serving heavy or greasy foods, dairy products, or foods rich in fiber while your child has cramps and during recovery. Try serving bananas and rice.
Monitor body temperature.
Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest as he or she recovers.
Never serve undercooked meat or fish, mushrooms that you or your child picked yourselves, or prepared salads or meats that have been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Throw away leftovers or canned foods that you think may be contaminated or spoiled.
Always wash hands well with anti-bacterial soap before and after handling food.
Avoid serving foods you know your child is sensitive to