Abdominal Pain in Infants

Abdominal Pain in Infants: How to Understand the Cause of Crying

Abdominal pain is a very general term that describes discomfort in the abdominal area. Since an infant cannot tell or show exactly where and how it hurts, parents have to interpret indirect signs: crying, changes in behavior and body position. In the vast majority of cases, abdominal pain in a healthy infant is functional, meaning it is not associated with organic pathology and is a result of the adaptation of its digestive system. However, it is important to know the “red flags” that may indicate more serious problems.

Functional pain: Most common causes

This pain occurs in a healthy child due to the immaturity of its body. These are diagnoses of exclusion that are made after the physician has confirmed the absence of disease.

• Colic: Episodes of intense crying that occur mainly in the evening, accompanied by abdominal tension and leg clenching. The exact cause is unknown, but it is linked to the immaturity of the nervous and digestive systems.
• Gas (meteorism): Accumulation of gas that stretches the intestinal walls and causes spasms. This is often a result of swallowing air while feeding or crying.
• Constipation: Difficult or painful bowel movements. Straining and passing hard stool can cause severe pain.

Organic causes: When pain is a symptom of disease

Sometimes abdominal pain can be a sign of an illness that requires medical intervention.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Frequent return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus causes heartburn, which the baby perceives as pain.
• Food allergy: An allergic reaction to food proteins (most commonly cow's milk) causes inflammation in the intestine, accompanied by pain, bloating, and changes in stools.
• Intestinal infections (gastroenteritis): Usually accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
• Intestinal obstruction (e.g., intussusception): A rare but dangerous condition characterized by sudden, severe pain episodes, vomiting, and the presence of blood in the stool. Requires immediate medical attention.