Cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea in children

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Cramping abdominal pain and diarrhea in children

Cramping abdominal pain is common with diarrhea. A child with diarrhea may have cramping pain right before passing stools. The pain is usually not a cause for concern as long as it does not seem severe and is relieved by passing stool.

Diarrhea is often caused by a viral infection (such as rotavirus), a bacterial infection, or food poisoning. Diarrhea is the body's way of quickly clearing any viruses, bacteria, or toxins such as botulism from the digestive tract. When diarrhea is caused by a virus, it usually will clear up in a few days with good home treatment.

A baby or child with severe abdominal pain may clutch his or her stomach, scream in pain, or pull his or her legs to the chest. Severe abdominal pain that begins suddenly, does not appear to let up, and is not relieved by passing stools may indicate a serious problem, such as intussusception or a severe infection.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Updated	April 28, 2008

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Last updated:	April 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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