Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, refers to problems in digesting food. Indigestion can happen at any age, and it can be occasional or ongoing, depending on the cause. If your child has frequent indigestion, then seek medical care for early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions. Read this MomJunction post to know about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of indigestion in kids.
What Are The Symptoms Of Indigestion In Kids?
Indigestion itself is not a disease. In some cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Duration and the associated symptoms may vary depending on the cause.
The following signs and symptoms are common during indigestion (1):
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Burping (belching)
- Gurgling or churning stomach
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn that can be felt as a burning sensation or feeling in the chest with a sour or bitter taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The intensity, duration, and type of symptoms may vary in each child. Usually, these symptoms may last for several hours after a meal.
Seek emergency care if your child has any of the following severe symptoms of dyspepsia.:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Hematemesis (vomiting of blood) or “coffee grounds” vomit
- Continuous vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Melena (black tarry stools) due to bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Indigestion may feel like stomach aches or stomach upset. This may be similar to other difficulties of the upper abdomen. Therefore, it is suggested to seek medical care for frequent indigestion and if your child has any severe symptoms.
Causes Of Indigestion In Children
Indigestion can be caused by the intake of certain foods or due to some conditions. If there is no known cause for indigestion, then it is referred to as functional dyspepsia.
The following foods and factors may cause indigestion in kids
- Fast eating
- Overeating or eating a large meal
- Spicy food
- Fiber-rich foods
- High fat or oily foods
- Eating late at night
- Caffeinated or carbonated drinks
- Chocolates
- Not sleeping well
- Certain medications such as antibiotics, iron supplements, aspirin, and ibuprofen can cause medication-induced dyspepsia
- Stress and anxiety
- Secondhand smoke
Consult a pediatrician if your child’s medications or supplements are causing indigestion. They may give alternatives or other drugs to prevent it.
The following diseases and conditions can also be a cause of severe indigestion in children
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition where stomach contents regurgitate into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion.
- Gastritis: Stomach inflammation may cause indigestion.
- Peptic ulcer: Sores or ulcers in the stomach can cause digestive problems.
- Infections: Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection may result in indigestion.
- Gastroparesis: This condition affects the motility or movement of the stomach. Motility disorders of the stomach can slow down the movement of food and often result in indigestion.
- Celiac disease: It is also known as gluten enteropathy or celiac sprue, which is an immune disorder causing gluten sensitivity. Indigestion can be one of its symptoms .
- Intestinal obstruction: Bowel obstruction may cause indigestion.
- Stomach cancers: This is rare in children, but gastric cancers may be a cause.
