AboutDavid Olson, MD Expertise I would be happy to attempt to answer any questions about general pediatric topics, either medical issues or behavioral issues. This would include all the various questions one receives in a busy pediatric practice. I`m a board certified pediatrician in northern Michigan and have been in practice for over 15 years. I enjoy the teaching role I have in our practice and would enjoy the opportunity to help others with their pediatric problems.
Question For some time now my daughter has had complaints about her stomach. Approximately 1 1/2 years ago I had her in to the doctor and she had a test where they put her out and inserted a camera into her stomach area. They found nothing at that time and the specialist suggested it might be stress related. We also scheduled an ultrasound which showed no cause for the problem. Then much time went by without too much complaint. However, this week has been frustrating because she has been home for 4 days with complaints. She went to the doctor who thinks this is a virus of some sort. I wonder. I hope it is a virus but I worry that it is something more. Could it be appendicitis? She complains about the area below her belly button and recently has said her right side is hurting. Does that come on very quickly or could it develop over time? I worry about major illnesses and would like to be able to start eliminating causes. She does complain of stomach problems in the morning and at night more then at any other time. Please advise me on what I can do. The doctor suggested that she not have milk or yogurt but then he said she could still have grilled cheese. I'm not sure I understand that. Thank you.
Answer Hi, lisa,
If her stomach ache is currently getting worse, she should see the doctor. If one wanted to eliminate dairy products to see if this helped the stomach ache, then cheese also should officially be stopped. This is due to the possibility of lactose intolerance, unlikely since she had a long period without too much problems.
Your doctors notion of stress and the possibility of a virus right now sounds reasonable. If it gets progressively worse, appendicitis is an issue, but this is usually more acute and fast presenting.
