Children suffer from anxiety with abdominal pain

When children complain of abdominal pain, there are often emotional problems

11/09/2012

Today, 25 percent of children suffer from abdominal pain. According to the Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) in Cologne diagnostically in most cases, no organic disorders or diseases detected by the doctor. In many cases, fears, anger or stress are the cause of the complaints, says the pediatrician. Ulrich Fegeler.

A quarter of children today suffer recurrent abdominal pain. For most children, however, no organic cause can be found. In many cases, mental problems trigger the abdominal pain. Pain in the abdomen associated with school problems disappears, for example, over the weekend. These types of complaints will also „functional abdominal pain“ called. "If small children complain of abdominal pain more often, parents should note when they occur and ask their child where it is particularly uncomfortable," advises the pediatrician.

Mental complaints become noticeable around the belly button
Around the navel, the area is surrounded by nerves and blood vessels. If a child worries or suffers from stress, the muscles around the navel can contract. The child then complains of discomfort and reports on stomachache. If pain can be localized in the lower or upper abdomen, if diarrhea and fever are added, a disease could be present, said Fegeler. Interrupting a child due to pain or discomfort, or waking up at night due to pain, may also be due to organic causes.

Take children's complaints seriously
In any case, parents should present their child to a pediatrician if the little patient has recurrent abdominal pain. If no organic causes can be determined after a detailed examination, this does not mean that the children do not suffer. „Parents should not forget that children experience functional abdominal pain in real life“. Therefore, parents should always pay attention to their children and not use the words as symptoms „You have nothing“ dismiss. Relaxation exercises, emotional attention or just rest and sleep can be the first steps towards recovery. If the functional pain persists, it is advisable to consult a licensed child and adolescent psychotherapist. „Emotional suffering also has its cause, which should be taken seriously“, complements graduate social pedagogue Gritli Bertram. „Parents should take the fears of their children seriously“. (Sb)

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Picture: Jens Weber