Children often experience abdominal pain, commonly referred to as tummy aches, bellyaches, or stomachaches. As a parent, it can be challenging to determine whether this pain is typical or indicative of a more serious condition. You might wonder if it’s indigestion, gastroenteritis, anxiety, or a surgical condition such as appendicitis or intestinal obstruction, making it difficult to decide on the next steps.
Non-surgical causes of abdominal pain in children:
Indigestion
- This term generally refers to discomfort in the upper abdomen, often characterized by pain or burning between the breastbone and navel, along with bloating. Indigestion usually resolves on its own and is not serious. Providing smaller meals and a bland diet may help. Consult a pediatrician if the discomfort persists.
Viral gastroenteritis
- This infection, often called the stomach flu, causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Most cases improve in a few days with rest and hydration, ideally using oral rehydration solutions rather than plain water or juice.
- Consult your pediatrician if your child:
– Shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, very few wet diapers, or crying without tears
– Becomes unusually sleepy or irritable.
– Keeps vomiting after drinking, without holding anything down.
– Has a fever above 38°C.
Children should stay home from daycare or school for at least two days after symptoms resolve. Early pediatric care helps prevent dehydration and other complications.
Constipation
- Children suffering from constipation may have infrequent bowel movements or hard stools, often leading to stomachaches and bloating. If your child is losing weight, refuses to eat, has bloody stools, or frequently experiences constipation, consult their pediatrician.
Stress or anxiety
- Stress can lead to the release of cortisol, which may cause abdominal cramps and discomfort in children.
Surgical causes of abdominal pain in children:
Appendicitis
- This condition involves inflammation of the appendix, causing sudden pain that starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain intensifies with movement, such as coughing or walking, and requires immediate medical attention.
Intestinal obstruction
- A blockage in the intestines can prevent food or liquid from moving through, potentially caused by scar tissue, twisting, or swallowing an object. Symptoms may include intermittent abdominal pain, constipation, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling, or vomiting. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an obstruction is suspected.
Intussusception
- This is a serious condition in which one part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, much like a telescope. It can cause a blockage and lead to severe abdominal pain that comes and goes, often with crying and drawing the knees to the chest in young children. Other symptoms may include vomiting, swelling of the abdomen, bloody or “jelly-like” stools, and a lump in the belly. Intussusception is most common in children under 3 years of age and requires immediate medical attention. It is typically diagnosed with an ultrasound and treated with an air or contrast enema, or sometimes surgery.
Meckel’s diverticulum
- This is a small pouch in the wall of the intestine present from birth. While many children with Meckel’s diverticulum have no symptoms, it can sometimes cause painless rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage, or inflammation that mimics appendicitis. Bleeding may appear as dark red or maroon stools. A special scan called a Meckel’s scan may be needed for diagnosis. If complications arise, surgery is usually needed to remove the pouch.
In any case of abdominal pain, seek a consultation with a pediatric surgeon urgently
if your child experiences:
- Severe pain that hinders movement and sleep
- Constipation that becomes severe or leads to an inability to pass stool or gas
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position
- Continuous Fever
- Bloody stools
- Persistent nausea and vomiting, especially if the vomit is green or olive colored
- Yellowing of the skin
- Severe tenderness upon touching the abdomen
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Resistance to conservative treatment
Timely consultation with a pediatrician — and when needed, a pediatric surgeon — ensures your child receives the care they need and reduces the risk of complications.