It is important to pay attention to the specific symptoms accompanying the stomach pain in children and teenagers. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or blood in stool may indicate a more serious underlying condition and require immediate medical attention.

Parents should encourage their children to communicate openly about their symptoms and seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens. Keeping track of when the pain occurs, how long it lasts, and any factors that may trigger it can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis.

In some cases, lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, stress management techniques, or regular physical activity may help alleviate stomach pain in children and teenagers. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms and Causes

If sudden stomach pain comes with loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, it could be a sign of conditions like gastroenteritis or food poisoning. General pain and stomach cramps may result from food intolerance, excess wind, or indigestion. Persistent pain might be due to constipation or a urinary tract infection, while pneumonia or viral infections are also possibilities.

Specific sharp pain in certain areas could indicate serious conditions, including appendicitis. Dehydration should be a concern with any type of stomach pain.

It’s important to pay attention to any additional symptoms that accompany stomach pain, such as fever, chills, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. These could provide clues to the underlying cause of the pain. Seeking medical attention is recommended if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms.

When to Seek Help

In case of severe or persistent stomach pain, especially when coupled with other symptoms or signs of dehydration, it is advisable to see a GP. For severe cases involving symptoms like bloody vomit or severe dehydration, a visit to the emergency department is necessary.

Treatment and Prevention

For relief from stomach pain, consider providing paracetamol or ibuprofen, offering a warm bath or heat pack, practicing relaxation techniques, ensuring proper hydration, and allowing for sufficient rest. It is important never to administer aspirin to a child.

Common Causes and Home Treatments

Common causes of stomach pain in children may include overeating, gas pains, indigestion, constipation, or stomach viruses. Stress can also manifest as stomach pain, especially in cases of recurrent issues.

Duration and Management

Monitor the duration of pain and any new symptoms that may arise. If vomiting occurs, avoid solid foods and stick to clear fluids. Addressing the specific underlying causes before considering medications is crucial, particularly when dealing with stress-related issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the pain is severe or prolonged, or if there are concerns about appendicitis or if the pain extends to the scrotum in boys, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Children often complain of stomach pain, leading to frequent doctor visits. Diagnosing stomach pain can be challenging, but a thorough examination by a doctor can help determine the root cause of the pain.

While many children experience improvement without specific treatment, persistent pain should prompt a visit to the doctor to rule out any serious issues.

Causes of abdominal pain in children

Several health issues can contribute to stomach pain in children, including bowel problems, infections, food-related issues, problems outside the abdomen, surgical issues, and poisoning. Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment.

Repeat attacks of stomach pain

If your child suffers from recurrent stomach pain without a clear cause, consider emotional stressors as a potential trigger. Consulting a doctor for advice and a possible referral to a pediatrician can be beneficial.

Appendicitis explained

Appendicitis, a common reason for surgery in children, presents with specific symptoms. If you suspect appendicitis, seek prompt medical attention for proper evaluation and potential treatment.

Other possible causes of abdominal pain in children

Other possible causes of abdominal pain in children include gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, constipation, food allergies, and even muscle strain. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain in children

If diagnostic testing is necessary, the doctor will explain the results, which may take some time to process.

Treatment for abdominal pain in children

The treatment for your child’s stomach pain will depend on the specific underlying cause identified by the doctor.

Taking care of your child with abdominal pain

General tips for alleviating stomach pain in children include ensuring adequate rest, encouraging clear fluid intake, offering bland foods, providing heat therapy, and administering pain relief under medical guidance.

Additionally, it is important to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bloody stools.

It is also helpful to keep track of any potential triggers for your child’s abdominal pain, such as certain foods or activities, in order to prevent future episodes.

Remember to consult with your child’s healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options for their abdominal pain.

When to seek urgent medical help for abdominal pain in children

If your child exhibits concerning symptoms such as severe or worsening pain, fever, chills, persistent vomiting, or blood in vomit or stool, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition to these symptoms, you should also seek medical help if your child has difficulty breathing, appears pale or sweaty, has a rigid or swollen abdomen, or is unable to pass stool or gas. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)

Need treatment today?

If urgent treatment is necessary and a GP appointment is unavailable, consider alternative medical services such as urgent care clinics or the emergency room.

Abdominal pain is a common issue in children, with causes ranging from benign conditions like constipation or gas to more serious issues like appendicitis or abdominal infections. It’s important for parents to pay attention to the severity and duration of their child’s abdominal pain and to seek medical evaluation if the pain persists, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or changes in bowel habits.

Considerations

Identifying the type of abdominal pain your child is experiencing, whether generalized, cramp-like, colicky, or localized, can help determine the underlying cause.

If an infant displays signs of pain, investigating potential abdominal issues is crucial.

Causes

Abdominal pain in children can result from various factors, some of which may not be serious. Considering possible causes and closely monitoring the pain is important. If the pain persists or worsens, prompt medical advice should be sought.

Common causes of abdominal pain in children include:

• Gas or bloating
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Stress or anxiety

Less common but more serious causes of abdominal pain include:

• Appendicitis
• Pancreatitis
• Intussusception
• Urinary tract infections
• Gastrointestinal disorders

If your child experiences severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, blood in the stool, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Home Care

Most cases of abdominal pain in children can be managed at home initially. Contacting a healthcare provider if concerned or if the pain persists or worsens is recommended. Offering simple home remedies and maintaining a balanced diet can help alleviate stomach discomfort.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If the abdominal pain lasts beyond 24 hours or if specific concerning symptoms develop, contact your provider promptly. Seek immediate medical assistance if needed.

Contact your provider for persistent or worsening pain, or if other alarming symptoms develop, such as fever, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss.

It is important to be prepared for your office visit by being ready to provide details about your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and any recent changes in your health. Your provider may also ask about your diet and lifestyle, as these factors can often play a role in abdominal pain.

Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions you have about your symptoms with your provider, as this will help them make an accurate diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan. Remember to follow any instructions given to you by your provider, such as taking medications as prescribed or scheduling follow-up appointments.

Overall, the goal of your office visit is to work together with your healthcare provider to determine the cause of your abdominal pain and find the best course of action to address it. By being proactive and open during your appointment, you can ensure that you receive the care you need to feel better soon.

Alternative Names

Stomach pain in children; Pain – abdomen – children; Abdominal cramps in children; Belly ache in children

References

References:

– Maqbool A, Liacouras CA. Major symptoms and signs of digestive tract disorders. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 332.

– Martinez JP. Abdominal pain. In: Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 23.

– Miranda A. Abdominal pain. In: Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 13.

– Seller Rh, Symons AB. Abdominal pain in children. In: Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.

Review Date 7/1/2023

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Health Content Provider
06/01/2028

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC’s accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.’s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy.