Advertisement
How to tell if it's something more serious
“My tummy hurts!” If you’re a parent, this is a cry you probably hear pretty often.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
The good news is, in most cases, abdominal pain is not serious and gets better with little or no treatment.
Causes for a child’s aching belly can range from trivial to life-threatening, including infections, food poisoning, constipation or acid reflux. However, when it’s recurrent and a specific cause has not been identified, treatment can be a challenge.
Pediatric gastroenterologist Sophia Patel, MD, shares common causes of stomachaches in tots and teens, along with advice on when to call or visit the doctor.
“Stomachaches in children are common, but because kids cannot fully articulate symptoms, it’s important for parents to be aware of certain symptoms,” says Dr. Patel.
Here are five reasons your child’s stomach may be hurting:
Gastroenteritis, which can bring on a stomachache in children, is typically caused by a virus. It usually includes diarrhea, with or without vomiting, and possibly a low-grade fever. It will usually run its course in three to five days without a need for a doctor’s help. Be sure to have your child drink plenty of fluids.
A trip to the doctor or possibly the emergency room is in order if:
Advertisement
We tend to think of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an adult problem, but it’s also common in kids and babies. GERD is often tough to pinpoint, especially in very young children, but these symptoms can be strong indicators:
Most kids outgrow GERD over time, but it can typically be treated with antacids and, if necessary, medications called H2 blockers such as Pepcid®, or proton-pump inhibitor drugs such as Nexium® or Prevacid.® Changes in the diet can help, too. Kids with GERD should avoid foods and drinks like soda, orange juice, tomato-based products and spicy foods. Medications such as ibuprofen can also irritate the stomach.
“Constipation is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in kids,” says Dr. Patel. Adding more fiber and water to a child’s diet can really help. Watch for rectal bleeding, though. It could signal something more serious.
Frequent issues with constipation that don’t seem to resolve can point to other medical conditions such as celiac disease, an underactive thyroid gland or other conditions that need further medical attention.
Drinking a lot of fluid is important, and not just to keep kids hydrated during a bout of gastroenteritis. Drinking enough fluids will help them maintain healthy bowel function.
At least half the fluid a child drinks should be plain water.
Avoid soda and other sugary drinks, including sweetened juices, flavored waters and sports drinks. Too much sugar can actually cause stomachaches — not to mention obesity and the long-term health problems associated with it.
Most of the time, a stomachache shouldn’t cause alarm. But parents should be mindful of how long it lasts and any other symptoms that come with it.
Sudden pain in a child’s lower right abdomen is a sign of appendicitis, and you should seek immediate medical attention for your child.
Recurring tummy aches that seem like gastroenteritis could really be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – especially if you have a family history of IBD. Frequent stomachaches can also be caused by irritable bowel disease, food allergies, celiac disease, parasites and lactose intolerance.
So if your 8-year-old complains of stomach pain all the time, or your toddler’s belly ache seems like something more, listen to your parental “gut” and don’t be afraid to reach out to your child’s doctor.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Children as young as 6 months should get vaccinated, but dosage guidelines depend on kids’ ages and past vaccines
Imagination, completing tasks and social interactions are all key benefits for your brain
First things first: It doesn’t mean anybody did anything wrong
Yawning is a clear signal, but frowning, ear-pulling and finger-sucking can be, too
Your baby can develop lip blisters from an infection or because of the way they feed
When done safely, carrying your baby in a sling or other device can free your hands and soothe your little one
These kids’ visits include getting important vaccines and checking on developmental milestones
Irritable bowel syndrome has many signs, but lower abdominal pain, constipation and swelling may mean you should see a healthcare provider
Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help
A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine