Causes of Abdominal Bloating in Children
Abdominal bloating is a common occurrence in early childhood and manifests through symptoms such as belching, gas expulsion, vomiting, and hard stools. If a child experiences one or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. Below are some common reasons for abdominal bloating in children:
Swallowing Air
Swallowing air, or aerophagia, can lead to various issues for children, including bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, belching, flatulence, and abdominal pain. The swallowed air cannot be expelled through belching and instead travels through the digestive system, eventually being released as gas. Typically, children swallow excess air while eating or even chewing gum. For some, this may stem from a nervous habit of swallowing excess air when feeling anxious or scared.
The Impact of Gut Bacteria
Bloating can occur when there is a disruption in the digestion and absorption of certain food components in a child’s small intestine, such as enzyme deficiencies needed for carbohydrate digestion. This can result in undigested carbohydrates passing into the large intestine, where beneficial bacteria break them down, leading to gas and bloating. It’s important to note that reactions can vary from individual to individual, as one child may experience symptoms while another may not. Some common foods that can cause bloating include:
- Starches: Certain starchy foods can produce gas even when broken down in the stomach. Examples include potatoes, corn, pasta, and wheat products.
- Sugars: Sugars like raffinose, lactose, fructose, and sorbitol are known to cause bloating. Many foods contain multiple types of these sugars. Fructose can be found in tree fruits, berries, honey, onions, some vegetables, and wheat, and is also used as an artificial sweetener in sodas and fruit drinks. Raffinose is abundant in beans, cabbage, broccoli, and whole grains, while sorbitol is found in tree fruits and is commonly used as a sweetener in diet foods and sugar-free candies.
- Fiber: Foods containing soluble fiber are not broken down until they reach the large intestine; they can be found in oat bran, beans, peas, and most fruits.
- High-fat Foods: These can also lead to bloating and discomfort, as fatty foods can slow down or delay stomach emptying, potentially causing gas buildup or pressure in the upper abdomen, nausea, or vomiting. It should be noted, however, that the amount of gas produced is generally less than that caused by carbohydrates.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance refers to the body’s adverse reaction to certain foods, which can either be due to an inability to properly digest them or exposure to irritating chemical substances present in the food. Common food intolerances include reactions to wheat and additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and fructose in fruit. Some individuals may tolerate small quantities of these foods without adverse effects, while others may experience delayed symptoms that manifest up to two days after consuming the offending item. If there are concerns that a child may suffer from food intolerance, or if the underlying cause of symptoms is uncertain, it is advisable to consult a physician. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Mouth ulcers
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose, found in milk and dairy products, can cause issues for those who are lactose intolerant, as their bodies struggle to break it down. It is important to differentiate lactose intolerance from a milk allergy and intolerance to cow’s milk protein. When a child is lactose intolerant, they may experience uncomfortable symptoms after consuming dairy products, which tend to escalate with increased intake. Symptoms to monitor particularly after dairy consumption include:
- Loose stools and gas release
- Watery diarrhea accompanied by gas
- Bloating and nausea
- Skin rashes
- Frequent colds
- Abdominal pain and cramps
Constipation
Constipation is a prevalent issue in children, characterized by the formation of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass or a reduction in bowel movements to fewer than three times a week. Most cases are temporary, often arising from dietary changes or premature toilet training. Other signs and symptoms of constipation in children include:
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Presence of liquid or sticky stool on the child’s underwear, indicating stool buildup in the rectum
- Blood on the surface of hard stools
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that leads to troublesome and often painful symptoms. Although the symptoms may be apparent, examinations typically do not reveal any evidence of tissue damage in the intestines. Common symptoms of IBS in children include:
- Abdominal pain, often linked to bowel movements
- Changes in bowel habits, which may involve diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both, depending on the subtype of IBS
- Bloating
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Mucus in the stool
Suggestions for Alleviating Abdominal Bloating in Children
Here are several recommendations to help relieve abdominal bloating in children:
- Limit the intake of bloating-causing foods by monitoring dietary habits to identify specific trigger foods, then gradually reintroducing them.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Steer clear of hard candies.
- Encourage drinking water and other fluids slowly and mindfully.
- Consult a physician about enzymes that may assist in alleviating bloating, particularly if it is linked to an enzyme deficiency.