Q: My 9-year-old has a stomach ache, won't eat, and refuses medicine. What should I do?

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Question:

My 9-year-old child started complaining of a stomach ache this morning. They barely ate breakfast or lunch, and only had a couple of bites for dinner. Now, they are refusing to take any medicine for the pain. I'm worried and not sure what to do. What steps should I take?

Answer:

It must be very concerning that your 9-year-old has barely eaten all day and is complaining of a stomach ache.

First, there are a few things you need to check:

• Ask them to point with one finger to the exact spot that hurts.

• Check if they have a fever.

• When was their last bowel movement?

• Are they experiencing any vomiting or nausea?

Here is what you can do at home right now:

1. Encourage them to drink small sips of warm water frequently.

2. Gently massage their belly in a clockwise direction.

3. Have them try lying down and pulling their knees toward their chest.

4. Do not force them to eat. Instead, you can prepare something easy to digest like porridge or congee.

⚠️ Seek immediate medical attention if:

→ They cry out or are in severe pain when you touch their belly.

→ The pain is located in the lower right abdomen.

→ The stomach ache is accompanied by vomiting.

→ The pain has lasted for more than 6 hours.

When your child refuses medicine, try to motivate them by saying something like, "If your tummy feels better, we can have your favorite [treat/food]."

If the pain continues or seems to be getting worse, it is safest to see a pediatrician for a proper evaluation.

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