Q: My 5 and 6-year-old children have severe abdominal pain, body aches, and difficulty breathing without a fever. What could be causing this?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 5 and 6-year-old children are experiencing severe abdominal pain. They usually tolerate pain well, but the older child has had stomach aches, body aches, and difficulty breathing (panting) for the past few days without a fever. We saw a doctor yesterday who said their lung sounds are normal and there are no cold symptoms.

The younger child had a classmate diagnosed with the flu last Monday. They had a fever for half a day last Tuesday, followed by a mild cough and phlegm. Recently, they also started complaining of stomach and body aches. The doctor yesterday mentioned they might be fighting a virus, as their throat wasn't swollen, and prescribed basic cold medicine and a cough patch without antibiotics.

However, early this morning, the younger child complained of severe pain and difficulty breathing, tossing and turning for an hour. I gave them a pain reliever, and they finally fell asleep. (They usually sleep well even when sick with COVID or the flu).

Why is this happening? It seems like they might have gas, but is there a currently circulating stomach bug or atypical enteritis? They haven't eaten much, and I am very worried and frustrated.

Answer:

It must be very distressing to have both of your children sick at the same time, especially seeing them in pain and unable to sleep through the night.

Current Symptom Evaluation

Both children are complaining of abdominal pain, generalized body aches, and breathing difficulties. This is a clinical pattern that requires much closer attention than a simple cold.

Possible Causes

* Influenza (Flu): Given the recent exposure in the classroom, the combination of systemic body aches and abdominal pain is a classic presentation.

* Mycoplasma Pneumonia: This is a frequently circulating bacterial infection that can present with a cough, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties.

* Adenovirus: This virus typically causes respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms to appear simultaneously.

* Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: This is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen that often causes stomach pain following a viral infection.

What to Check Immediately

* Respiratory Rate: Count the rise and fall of their chests for one full minute (the normal resting rate for 5 to 6-year-olds is 20 to 25 breaths per minute).

* Abdomen: Gently press on their stomachs to see if there is extreme tenderness in a specific area or if the abdomen feels unusually hard or rigid.

* Hydration (Urine): Monitor whether the color and frequency of their urination are normal to ensure they aren't dehydrated from eating less.

Immediate Actions You Can Take at Home

1. Prop their upper bodies up slightly with pillows while they sleep to help ease breathing.

2. Offer small, frequent sips of warm water.

3. Gently massage their stomachs in a clockwise direction.

4. Keep a detailed log of the exact dosages and times you administer fever or pain medications.

Recommendation: Re-evaluation by a Doctor Today

Because both children are experiencing similar symptoms at the same time, it is highly likely to be a contagious infectious disease. You should take them back to the pediatrician today for a follow-up visit.

* The persistence of breathing difficulties combined with abdominal pain requires clinical re-evaluation.

* A flu test should be strongly considered given the time elapsed since exposure.

* A chest X-ray may be necessary to rule out lung infections like pneumonia.

🚨 Go to the Emergency Room Immediately If:

* Their breathing becomes significantly faster, labored, or they start gasping/panting.

* Their abdomen becomes stiff, board-like, or too painful to be touched.

* Their consciousness becomes cloudy, they appear unusually lethargic, or their responses are slow.

Please ensure they are seen by a pediatrician today. If their symptoms worsen rapidly before you can get an appointment, do not hesitate to take them straight to the emergency room.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us