Stomach Pain in Children

Of the many causes of stomachaches in children, the most common are constipation and viral illness. Constipation can usually be managed at home.

Parents should suspect a viral illness when there is fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Sometimes a stomachache can be caused by gas pains, nervousness, or poor diet. These pains will go away by themselves and should be treated with rest and a bland diet.

There are times when you should call for help. Any infant who seems to be in severe pain and cannot be comforted should be examined by his pediatrician. Constant pain in the lower part of the abdomen on the right side could mean appendicitis, and the child should be seen by the doctor right away.

Call your pediatrician’s office to have your child seen by the pediatrician if your child has abdominal pain and any of the following:

• urinary problems (pain or frequent urination).
• occasional pain over a period of months.
• bloody stools.
• difficulty walking.
• severe pain that isn’t relieved with home therapy.
• vomiting any green/yellow fluid.
• cough or fever.
• inability to keep fluids down.