Common Causes For Stomach Pain In Children And When To Worry
Your kid says their tummy aches, but you're not sure what's wrong. Here are a few common causes of stomach pain in children, and symptoms to look out for.
Maybe it’s the fact that most of the body’s major organs are crammed into a couple of cubic feet, which makes every child vulnerable to abdominal ailments. Whatever the reason, tender tummies can prompt parental anxiety. However, it’s relatively simple to determine if the culprit is a bug the body can fight on its own or something more serious. Here's what you need to know about stomach pain in children, and when to worry.
01When your child’s stomach pain needs attention
Most stomach aches in kids are caused by things like constipation, gas, a stomach bug or, in older kids, reflux or period cramps. But some symptoms can point to something more serious.
Get urgent medical help now if your child has:
- Severe or worsening pain, especially if it moves to the lower right side
- A swollen belly, pain with movement, or trouble walking upright
- Dark green vomit, blood in vomit, or bloody/black stools
- Signs of dehydration, such as very little peeing, no tears, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or unusual sleepiness
Call your doctor today if your child has:
- Belly pain lasting more than 24 hours
- Vomiting that continues for four to six hours or longer
- Fever with ongoing stomach pain
- Pain when peeing, weight loss, or pain that wakes them at night
You can usually monitor at home if the pain is mild, comes and goes, and your child is otherwise drinking, peeing, and acting fairly normally.
This guide walks through the most common causes of stomach pain in children and the red flags parents shouldn’t ignore.
