
Nervous stomach is a common medical condition that affects kids frequently. It may often start from minor stomach aches and vomiting, to advance into dangerous diseases. Here’s more…
From a kid awaiting the first day of the school to a middle-aged man struggling in his business, anxiety and stress can cause nervous stomachs in anybody. In children, it particularly cannot be categorized under any specific group of diseases. In fact, it is a group of signs that affect children and manifest in various forms. The causes are more psychological, though its physical causes like indigestion, food allergies, and stomach flu can also be contributing factors. It is also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), in special cases. Some very common instances of stomach disorders include the occurrence of diarrhea, constipation, mucus in stools, and abdominal pain (it may not be a direct indication, but surely, it can hint towards some issues in the stomach).
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a disorder of the stomach that is caused due to either a bacterial or viral infection. In many cases, even parasites are known to cause this condition. Diarrhea causes dehydration in the body, and it is quite dangerous for children and older people, if it advances to the later stages. Generally, diarrhea lasts for a day or two, but it can be life-threatening if it reaches the advanced stages.
Constipation
Constipation is a common sign of stomach ache in children, besides other possible issues. The child may experience stomach pain and will strain while passing stools. The stool will be hard, dry, and pellet-like. Lack of fibrous food in the diet is cited as a major reason for constipation in children. Many children develop a tendency to ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, and this can lead to constipation. They may feel uncomfortable and complain of regular stomach pain if the problem of constipation persists for a long time.
Mucus in Stool
Mucus is a semi-solid, semi-liquid jelly-like substance, that is produced by the epithelial lining of the large intestine. As mucus is slippery, it acts as a lubricant in reducing the friction and helping the passage of stools up to the anus. It is very normal to have mucus in the stools to some extent. However, if there is excessive inflammation in the intestine (due to spicy and junk food), then the stools can show traces of blood. In children, mucus in the stools is more prominent in the cases of diarrhea. It can also be caused due to the various reasons like food allergies and bacterial overgrowth, that result in infection in the intestine.
Nervous stomach anxiety is another important contributor to upset stomach in kids. It has been found that many children seriously complain of stomach pain when they have to face exams and other stressful situations. Academic pressure and peer pressure are prime reasons that induce stress and anxiety among children. Though healthy competition is necessary for the proper upbringing of the child, poor stress management can cause stomach disorders, that can carry on for years. Parents should make sure that their children learn proper and positive ways of handling stressful situations.