The 2 most common reasons for abdominal pain in children are constipation and gastritis. A constipated child can be in severe pain with a bloated abdomen due to hard, compacted stool that prevent the normal passing of wind. Common causes are changes in diet (usually during the holidays when veggies make place for hot dogs), dehydration during our summer months and fear of passing stool. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend: Over-the-counter fiber supplements or stool softeners: (Pegicol, Laxette, Duphalac Dry, Glycerin supp), an OTC enema (an amazingly quick way to give instant relieve) or a hospital enema which clears the bowl completely. I personally love the herbal drops : Iberogast. It stays in the bread bin and whenever one of my children complains of a sore tummy- the drops come to the rescue!

Up the WATER!, add prune juice, limit refined foods (fish fingers, vienas, and chicken nuggets) and cheese, do regular exercise and ease up on toilet training. If all else fails: get a pediatric enema from your local chemist-it works like a bom.

Give constipation the runs and keep your family’s tummies healthy!