Reasons Your Kid May Be Bloated And How To Help

Bloating is common for adults to experience bloating after eating salty meals or during specific times of the month. However, bloating can also affect young children. If you notice your child's tummy is round, swollen, or puffy, and feels hard to the touch, you might be wondering if they're experiencing bloating. While children might not use the term "bloating," they may complain of a tummy ache or stomach pain.

It's normal for young children to have potbellies. This is especially common after a large meal or feeding. As they grow older, their bellies will become more proportional to the rest of their bodies. However, sometimes a bloated belly can be a sign of a digestive issue. If your child's belly feels hard, they haven't had a bowel movement in a couple of days, they're vomiting, or they're passing gas more frequently than usual, it might be causing them discomfort.

Why is your child might be bloating

While it is quite common for children to experience bloating, it can cause a lot of discomfort to them. Here are some reasons why they are bloated,

Swallowing Air (Aerophagia)

Aerophagia, or swallowing excess air, is a common cause of bloating in children. This can happen when they cry excessively, eat too quickly, or have nervous habits. Symptoms of aerophagia include excessive burping, passing gas, a gurgly tummy, and belly pain.

How to help:

• Give your child over-the-counter simethicone, which can help dissolve gas bubbles.
• Teach older children deep breathing techniques to help regulate their breathing and reduce the amount of air they swallow.
• Avoid foods and drinks that can cause your child to swallow more air, such as carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and hard candies.

Constipation

Constipation is another common cause of bloating in children. When stools become hard and difficult to pass, they can build up in the intestines, leading to a bloated belly. Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber, or withholding bowel movements.

How to help:

• Ensure your child is drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Increase their intake of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Encourage your child to be physically active, as exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.
• Establish a regular routine for bathroom breaks to help prevent constipation.
• If your child has chronic constipation, consult with a pediatrician or gastrointestinal specialist.

Food Intolerance or Sensitivity

Food intolerances or sensitivities can be a significant cause of bloating in children. When a child consumes a food they are intolerant or sensitive to, it can cause digestive issues, including bloating and gas. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and casein.

How to help:

• Keep a food journal to track your child's diet and identify potential triggers.
• Consult with a pediatrician to discuss possible food intolerances or sensitivities.
• Consider eliminating suspected foods from your child's diet and gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms improve.
• If your child is suspected of having a lactose intolerance, a hydrogen breath test can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Trouble Digesting Certain Foods

Some foods can be difficult to digest and contribute to bloating. Fructose, fatty foods, beans, and cruciferous vegetables are common culprits. These foods can produce excessive gas and cause discomfort.

How to help:

• Introduce new foods to your child's diet slowly and monitor their reaction.
• Encourage your child to chew their food thoroughly to aid in digestion.
• Offer your child water instead of juice, as juice can contain high levels of fructose and contribute to bloating.
• Avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause gas, such as carbonated beverages and candies.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that can cause bloating and other digestive symptoms in children. While it is often considered an adult condition, IBS can also affect children.

How to help:

• Consult with your child's pediatrician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Work with a registered dietitian to identify trigger foods and develop a personalized diet plan.
• Consider incorporating foods low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) to help reduce IBS symptoms.
• Encourage your child to manage stress, as stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms.