Stomach aches are a common issue in children and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This article will explore the common causes of abdominal pain in children, signs that parents should look out for, and when it’s time to consult a provider.
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Some of the most common causes of stomachache in kids include the following:
One of the most common causes of stomach pain is constipation. It happens when children have difficulty with bowel movements or struggle to pass stools. If your child does not drink enough fluids or eat enough of certain foods like fruits and vegetables, they may get constipated.
A stomach virus can lead to an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. Clear liquids can help prevent dehydration.
Some children react to dairy, gluten, or other foods, leading to chronic stomach pain, bloating, or even blood in the stool.
Urinary tract infections may be a cause for your child’s abdominal pain. These often come with other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or painful urination.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It often begins as pain around the belly button and shifts to the lower right part of the abdomen. This type of sharp abdominal pain worsens over time and requires immediate medical attention.
Functional abdominal pain is common in school-age children and is often linked to anxiety or stress rather than a physical illness. This type of chronic pain may come and go without clear medical findings.
Older children may develop irritable bowel syndrome, leading to chronic abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and discomfort after eating.
Most children will experience some stomach pain in their lives. If the pain is mild and passes quickly, then its generally not serious. However, there are certain situations where you should seek medical care.
While many cases of abdominal pain in children resolve on their own, there are times when a provider’s visit is necessary. You should take your child to a provider if:
To diagnose abdominal pain in children, a provider will first take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination.
To further determine the cause of a child’s symptoms, providers may ask about:
They may also order lab tests, imaging, or other evaluations to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment for your child’s abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause. For minor issues like gas, constipation, or indigestion, simple remedies like hydration, a bland diet, and rest may be all that is needed. However, more severe conditions, such as appendicitis or infections, may require surgery or medication.
Treatment for stomach pain varies depending on the underlying cause:
Taking care of a child with abdominal pain can be challenging, but there are steps you can take at home to help ease their discomfort:
If your child’s pain persists or worsens, make sure to consult with a provider to rule out any serious conditions.
If your child is dealing with an ongoing or severe tummy ache, don’t wait to seek medical care. While many cases of abdominal pain are mild, some symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
At After Hours Kids, families have access to convenient, after-hours healthcare when it matters the most. Schedule an appointment today or visit our clinic in Austin, TX, to ensure your child gets the care they need to feel better quickly!
The most common causes include constipation, stomach flu, food intolerances, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and stress-related functional abdominal pain. In some cases, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or appendicitis may also be responsible.
You should seek medical care if your child has severe or worsening pain, pain in the lower right abdomen, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
For mild cases, you can help your child by:
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your provider.
Functional abdominal pain is a type of chronic stomach pain that is not caused by a physical illness. It is often linked to stress or anxiety and may come and go without other symptoms.
Take your child to a provider if the pain lasts longer than 24 hours, is severe, keeps returning, or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, fever, weight loss, or blood in stool. Clinics like After Hours Kids offer convenient care when you need it most.
