Moms everywhere understand the stress that comes with having a child that is experiencing tummy troubles. Seeing your children in pain or discomfort is difficult for any parent, especially if you are not sure what is the root of the problem and what you can do to help. Here are a few of the most common stomach issues in young people and what you can do to prevent recurring problems in the future:
Stomach Virus Ins and Outs
The dreaded stomach virus is a parenting nightmare. While there is not anything that you can do to avoid this parenting rite of passage completely, there are steps that you can take to decrease the spread of the virus and promote healing once infected. The number one thing that you can do to reduce the risk of getting sick is to encourage frequent and effective hand washing habits in children from a young age.
Although they are useful in a pinch, hand sanitizers are not as effective at stopping the spread of a stomach virus as simple soap and warm water. Keeping children who have been sick home and away from other kids will also help to halt the spread of the illness.
If your child comes down with the virus, it is essential to monitor their hydration levels above all else. Sunken eyes, lack of urine output, dry lips and mouth, and general lethargic behavior are all signs of dehydration. If you suspect your child might be dehydrated, it is advised to call a health professional immediately. Although your child will likely request water after a bout of vomiting, you should give them liquids in small doses to avoid irritating the lining of the stomach even further. Drinks infused with electrolytes are especially helpful in restoring balance and hydration to the ailing body.
Although most stomach viruses are minor and children go on to recover quickly, parents need to be vigilant in caring for children who do not seem to be on the mend within a few days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common norovirus is responsible for the hospitalization of over approximately 18,500 children under the age of five every year.
Gas
Especially in young children, gas is the cause of many common tummy trouble complaints. Unexplained irritability and fussiness in nonverbal children can often be attributed to gas pains. In infants, gentle rocking and moving the child’s legs in the motion of bicycle pedaling can sometimes help to alleviate the discomfort.
Placing a warm towel or heating pad across the fussy child’s belly might also bring a measure of relief. If the gas pain persists over time, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor about possible food allergies or intolerances. The doctor will probably start with recommending that you keep a food diary in an effort to help pinpoint what foods might be the culprit. A food allergist can also assist in determining if there are any allergies present.
Constipation
Fortunately for most kids, constipation is a temporary condition. Changes in diet and or early toilet training can lead to difficulties in clearing the bowels. Encouraging your child to eat foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables can help to get the bowels functioning properly. Chronic constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week or those that are difficult to pass because of a hard or dry consistency. As with all stomach issues, always consult a doctor if your child has blood in the stool or a lasting fever.
Promoting Healthy Gut Health
Gut health is essential to the overall physical well-being of a child. Taking steps to introduce positive bacteria into your child’s belly will set them up for a lifetime of good health. To understand how to manipulate your child’s gut to work for them, you must understand the details of a microbiome. In simple terms, this internal system is defined as the trillions of bacteria that live in the human gastrointestinal tract. These useful bacteria work to help the immune system by managing allergic reactions as well as the effectiveness of how the body fights off a host of illnesses and viruses. An effective microbiome also regulates metabolism and works to promote a healthy mindset, warding off issues such as depression and anxiety.
A microbiome is not a static entity. Unlike other predetermined biological traits, this biological system can alter or shift through a variety of lifestyle choices. Because this system is the most susceptible to positive change in the early years of life, it is important to do what you can do now to set your child up for a lifetime of good gut health.
There is a myriad of things that you can do to encourage a healthy microbiome. Avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics will keep the good bacteria thriving and operating at maximum effectiveness. Encouraging your children to play outside and interact with pets also promotes the proliferation of healthy bacteria. Taking care to ensure that your child eats a diet full of fiber, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains will help to give this delicate biological system the nutrients that it needs to function at optimum levels.
Eating live cultures is also one of the easiest ways to promote healthy gut health. This good bacteria is believed to be especially helpful in fighting off the gastrointestinal issues so prevalent in children. There are a variety of kid-friendly products on the market enhanced with these useful probiotics, including yogurt, kefir, and more. Probiotics can also be taken as a supplement to ward off potential tummy problems and to help promote healthy bacteria in the gut.
As a mom, it can be distressing to see your child experience stomach issues. With a little research and guidance from qualified health professionals, you can help to ward off these instances and promote a long life of healthy habits designed to encourage prevention of illnesses.