Gas Problems In Toddlers: Causes, Symptoms, & Home Remedies

Is your toddler suffering from severe stomach pain? Just like the adults, even the young children may develop gastric issues. Gastric problem in toddlers is a major concern if your child has severe stomach pain. Let us read what causes gas problems in toddlers along with symptoms and treatment options.

What Is A Gas Problem In Toddlers

Gastric problem or gastritis in toddlers is an irritation or inflammation of the stomach. If the stomach membrane layer(gastric mucosa) gets disturbed, which leads to secretion of acids. And these acids result in pain and discomfort in the stomach. It begins as an acute condition and might lead to a chronic condition gradually.

Is It Normal for a Child to Have Gas Pain?

Everyone has gas in their digestive tract, which is made of air and other gases[1]. If your toddler has severe pain and discomfort, consult your paediatrician immediately. According to reports, up to 24% of Indian children may be overweight. Increasing consumption of foods heavy in salt, sugar, and fat—which are more easily available to kids. This has naturally resulted in an increase in cases of gastric disorders such acid reflux, acid indigestion, constipation, cramps, and stomach aches. Ayurveda as a body of knowledge provides a wide range of natural treatments, including those for gastrointestinal ailments.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Body Odor In Toddlers?

What Causes Gastric Problems in Toddlers

Gas problems in toddlers can be caused by a number of factors, including food allergies, digestive disorders, and an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. While eating or drinking, everyone will swallow some air which enters your digestive tract. Swallowing more air may lead to gastric issues in the stomach. Sometimes, changing the diet frequently may lead to digestive issues in your toddlers.

Also Read: Excessive Night Sweating In Toddlers

Symptoms Of Gas Pain in Toddlers

Kids often experience stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms can be caused by a number of different factors.

  1. Constipation:
  2. Constipation and diarrhea are two of the most common digestive disorders in toddlers. Both of these conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to dehydration. If left untreated, both conditions can become serious.

  3. Diarrhea:
  4. There are several different types of diarrhea. It can be caused by an infection, food poisoning, or other illnesses. Diarrhea can also be caused by certain medications. Constipation is another condition that affects millions of people every year. It can be caused due to diet, lifestyle, or medical issues.

  5. Vomiting:
  6. Vomiting and diarrhea are both symptoms of gastroenteritis. This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused when there is an infection, food poisoning or some other type of illness.

  7. Indigestion:
  8. If you notice any of these signs, then you should consult with your doctor immediately. These symptoms can also indicate something else, so make sure to mention everything you feel has been bothering you.

  9. Gas:
  10. Gas and bloating are two of the most common gastrointestinal issues in toddlers. They can occur at any age, but they tend to affect toddlers and preschoolers more often than older kids.

Also Read: Home Remedies For Vomiting In Toddlers

Prevention Tips For Gas Problems in Toddlers

  1. Don’t Give Too Much Milk at Once:
  2. If your baby has gas problems, try giving him less milk at once rather than more. This will help reduce the amount of air swallowed into his stomach. Also, make sure he’s eating enough solid foods so he isn’t getting too much liquid.

  3. Try Giving More Frequent Feedings:
  4. Another thing you can do to help your toddler with gas is give him more frequent feedings. Babies who eat frequently tend to have fewer gas problems.

  5. Offer Water Instead of Juice:
  6. If your baby has gas problems, offer water instead of juice. This will help reduce the chance of developing an upset stomach.

  7. Avoid Foods That Cause Bloating:
  8. Try to avoid foods that cause bloating, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onions, peppers, and other vegetables with high fiber content. These foods can make your digestive system work harder than necessary, causing gas.

  9. Check For Diarrhea:
  10. If your baby has diarrhea, he or she will likely need extra fluids and electrolytes. You should also try to keep him or her away from dairy products, because these can worsen diarrhea.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath In Toddlers?

Home Remedies To Treat Gas in Toddlers

  1. Cumin and Water:
  2. Add two teaspoons of cumin seeds to one litre of water. After heating it, pour the liquid into a bottle. To drink it throughout the day, instruct the child. Additionally, the child might carry the bottle to school. Better digestion is aided by this.

  3. Castor oil and betel leaf:
  4. Get some castor oil—half a teaspoon. Up till lukewarm, warm it. Apply it to your stomach. After applying, cover the area with a betel leaf. Castor oil stimulates the digestive system and enhances peristaltic, which is helpful in treating constipation and alleviating stomach aches. Castor oil helps to cleanse bowel movements and eliminate gas.

  5. Yogurt and cumin:
  6. 1/4 cup plain yoghurt and 3/4 cup water should be combined (or double this, keeping same ratio). Mix well. 1 teaspoon rock salt, a pinch of roasted cumin powder, some shredded ginger, and some fresh coriander leaves should be added.

    Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Loss Of Appetite In Toddlers?

  7. Aniseed and ginger:
  8. Add 1 1/4 cups of water to 1 inch of grated ginger. With a little aniseed, boil. Add a small amount of turmeric powder once it has boiled. Pour after straining.

  9. Ginger and fennel seeds:
  10. Combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of toasted fennel seeds. The boiled water should also contain a few pieces of fresh ginger, a pinch of asafoetida, and a dash of rock salt. After your lunch, sip this carefully.

  11. Asafoetida and ghee on stomach:
  12. Mix 1 tsp of asafoetida and 1 tsp of ghee together. Warm it up to lukewarm. The child could apply the mixture to his stomach four to five times each day until he feels completely relieved. This is especially beneficial for stomach aches.

  13. Turmeric, cumin and fennel seeds:
  14. For gas problems in toddlers, addition of turmeric, cumin(jeera), fennel seeds, coriander and asafoetida to the diet in general could help in improving the overall digestive function.

  15. Yoga – Surya Namaskar:
  16. Some Yoga exercises could also be useful in addressing stomach problems in toddlers. Surya Namaskar, often known as the Sun Salutation, is a series of 12 potent yoga asanas (postures) that improves the body’s general metabolic rate and offers an excellent cardiovascular workout. Additionally, it is a terrific method to keep in shape and calm restless kids.

If you think your toddler might be suffering from gas problems, do not hesitate to visit your doctor.

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