Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons parents take their child to see a doctor. While it’s often mild and short-lived, abdominal pain in children can occasionally be a sign of something more serious. If your child’s pain is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or a fever, contact your local paediatrician or GP.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain in Children?
The most common causes of abdominal pain are usually not too serious, and discomfort will ease in a few hours or days without special treatment.
Some of these conditions include:
- Constipation: A leading cause, particularly in young children, and can result from low-fibre diets, not drinking enough fluids, or simply avoiding the toilet.
- Viral infection: This can often cause cramping, loose stools and a general feeling of being unwell. In most cases, it settles in a few days with rest and plenty of fluids.
- Stomach Bug (Food poisoning): For children that suffer from food allergies or have a lactose intolerance, meaning their bodies can’t properly digest dairy, leading to bloating and cramps.
Other possible causes that are more serious include appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and urinary tract infection, however, these are usually less common.
For parents, one of the biggest concerns is knowing when your child’s abdominal pain is serious. Generally, if the pain is severe, long-lasting, or combined with another symptom, such as vomiting and a fever, you should go to the A&E.
Below is the NHS guidance for when abdominal pain is considered serious (1):
- It came on very suddenly or is severe
- It hurts when touching the stomach area
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly
- Cannot pee
- Cannot poo or fart
- Cannot breathe
- Chest pain
- Have diabetes and vomiting
- The child has collapsed
Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain in Children
A physical examination by a paediatrician or GP will determine the underlying cause of the pain. They will begin by asking questions about the location, nature, and timing of the pain, along with associated symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, or weight loss. They will also gently press the belly button area to check for tenderness or swelling.
Depending on what they find, additional tests may be needed. These might include blood tests, stool tests, urine tests, or an ultrasound to help rule out conditions like appendicitis or a bowel obstruction.
For acute abdominal pain linked with another symptom, such as vomiting and a fever, referral to the emergency department for immediate medical care may be advised.
Treatment for Children with Abdominal Pain
Following a diagnosis from a paediatrician or GP, if the pain is mild and clearly linked to a virus, ensuring they rest and drink plenty of fluids may be the best course of treatment for them.
For children with constipation, or if you think your child may be constipated, the treatment depends on your child’s age. Increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and sometimes using laxatives (as recommended by your doctor) can provide relief.
Unless advised NOT TO by a healthcare professional, giving your child pain relief such as paracetamol (Calpol) and/or ibuprofen will help with their discomfort.
Remember that doses for infants are often different to those for older children and adults, so check the packet carefully for the right dose.
When to Take Your Child to a Healthcare Provider?
For a parent, knowing how long to wait to see a doctor for a stomach ache can be difficult. If the pain is mild and your child is otherwise well, it’s usually fine to monitor for 24–48 hours.
While many cases of tummy ache are harmless and resolve quickly, it’s always wise to stay alert to signs that point to more serious health conditions. Abdominal pain is common, but it’s not something to brush off if your child appears unwell, distressed, or out of sorts.
For severe pain that keeps returning or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool, you should seek medical care
At The Children’s Clinic, we’re here to support families across Hertfordshire with expert-led care in children’s health. Whether your child needs a thorough assessment for chronic abdominal pain or just reassurance that everything is normal.
If you are based in the Harpenden and St Albans area, you can book a Prompt-Response Appointment or a General Paediatric Appointment (for constipation for example) with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Felicity Taylor.
Appointments are for children from birth to 17 years inclusive and are available at Harpenden Medical. Dr Felicity will take the time to listen, carry out a full assessment including history and examination, and present a treatment plan to get your child back to normal activities as quickly as possible.
You will receive a thorough explanation of any diagnosis made, a plan for further tests, and a follow-up appointment (if any) will be agreed with you.
If onward referral to another tertiary specialist is required (e.g. paediatric ENT, paediatric neurology), Felicity can provide advice and facilitate referrals to the most appropriate specialists.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised guidance and recommendations, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
NHS Guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/
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