7. Bloated Stomach: More Than Overeating
Most parents have seen their children with bloated stomachs after a hearty meal or a feast on holiday. However, if your child’s stomach remains bloated for an extended period, without an apparent reason such as overeating, it’s cause for concern. Persistent bloating can be another subtle yet serious symptom of stomach cancer in children.
This symptom often gets overlooked, attributed to gas or overeating. However, when a bloated stomach persists and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments like antacids or gas relief medications, it may be time to dig deeper. Your healthcare provider may suggest tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to examine the abdomen and rule out other potential causes.
Just like with other symptoms, early detection of persistent bloating can be critical. A timely diagnosis opens the door to more effective treatment options, including chemotherapy or surgical removal of tumors, depending on the stage and severity of the cancer. (7)
