My stomach hurts. You probably heard this before and thought the worst.

There are many reasons for stomach pain, and it can come in many different forms. There are many reasons why your child may complain of pain.

Here is how you can tell when your child is in pain, what conditions might be causing it, and when to see a doctor.

When to get emergency care

If your child experiences a problem, you should go to the emergency room.

  • It can be intermittent or constant.
  • There is blood in the stool or vomit.
  • green-colored vomit
  • signs of anaphylaxis, like swelling, hives, or dizziness
  • pain in the lower right quadrant (possible appendicitis)
  • The child cannot focus on anything but pain.
  • There are signs of an illness, like a high temperature or chills.

“It can be hard to share what abdominal pain is like, if your child doesn’t have words to describe it. Pain is subjective and may change over time depending on the cause.”

The abdomen may be described as being painful.

  • general
  • “It’s local.”
  • constant
  • It is worsening.
  • intermittent
  • sharp
  • dull.
  • Achy.
  • It is a symptom of cramping.
  • Butterflies in your stomach.
  • I was queasy.

Your child may use different words. You may have to use the best translation you can.

For example, maybe your child has “It’s local.” sharp pain that comes and goes. They might say, “Ouch! It hurts sometimes … right here!”

If your child is experiencing abdominal pain, you can tell if they have the words to tell you.

Infants and toddlers

You need to go by mood with the youngest kids. Your tiny tot may be acting in an unusual way.

“Your child’s body language is something to watch. Are they grabbing their stomachs? Are they not eating their favorite snacks? They might have other symptoms like vomiting or There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea… that could mean they are in distress. These are all clues.”

Of course, you can always try to ask a toddler what’s wrong, but know their answer might not tell the whole story. If your own intuition is telling you something is up, call your pediatrician for guidance.

Children

Children grow and their ability to tell their parents what is bothering them. It may start with you noticing that they are not eating as usual. Your child may say that their stomach hurts and point to the location.

Ask questions.

  • Where does it hurt?
  • What does it feel like?
  • How long has it been bothering you?
  • Does anything else feel bad?

It is possible to get a clearer picture of the type of pain your child is having by asking them to share more details. It can let you know what you need to do. If your child is having a hard time with this, make sure they are doing their best. You want them to tell you what is wrong so you can help them.

Teens

Teens are the most reliable narrators of pain. Your teen may be distracted by what is happening.

The same questioning technique that you use for younger kids can be used to identify the pain type.

“Your child may be able to keep track of chronic issues. Your child’s doctor can use this information to help diagnose the cause.”

The causes of abdomen pain range from the more benign, like gas, to the more serious, like appendicitis. But a lot of conditions fall somewhere in between. It’s best not to assume the best- or worst-case scenario. Instead, focus on the type of pain and other symptoms.

Indigestion and gas

Yes, kids can get indigestion just like adults. It can be from eating certain foods, like ones that are fatty, greasy, or acidic. Or, it could be from eating too quickly or consuming carbonated beverages. Your child may even complain of a burning sensation in their upper abdomen.

indigestion symptoms include:

  • burping
  • It was bloated.
  • feeling full
  • reflux, or burping up liquid or food
  • nausea
  • The gasses are flatulence.

Constipation

Maybe your child’s abdomen hurts because they haven’t had a bowel movement in a while. They may have It is a symptom of cramping. in their lower abdomen, look bloated or distended, or say that they don’t feel like they can poop. In some cases, your child may even have some There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea…, which happens when softer stool makes its way around hardened stool.

Other symptoms could include:

  • fewer than two bowel movements in a week
  • Hard stools, or dry stools.
  • It was difficult to go to the bathroom.
  • Dancing around or clenching buttocks is a delaying tactic for a bowel movement.

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning

Several types of viruses and bacteria can cause food poisoning or a “stomach bug.” Norovirus is one of these viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s extremely contagious and can be transmitted through:

  • People who have the virus should be contacted.
  • consuming food or water that is not clean.
  • touching contaminated surfaces

The virus causes acute gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Your child may feel I was queasy. or say they need to throw up. They may also have lower abdominal It is a symptom of cramping. with There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea….

Symptoms include:

Food intolerance

A food intolerance is a reaction your child has to eating certain foods. It’s different from a food allergy, which is when the immune system itself reacts to food. Instead, it causes unpleasant but not severe or life threatening symptoms.

Triggers include:

  • Milk and dairy products are used.
  • chocolate
  • additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • They have tomatoes.
  • Eggs.
  • There is a fruit called citrus.
  • There are strawberries.
  • “It’s soy.”
  • There are nuts.
  • wheat
  • fish

Your child may be irritable and have acid reflux or It was bloated. with a food intolerance. According to the Healthy Eating Advisory Service, they may also not have any pain until a few hours to 2 days after eating trigger foods. Your child’s discomfort may be relative to how much of the trigger food they ate.

Other possible symptoms may include:

  • There is a burning sensation in the stomach.
  • It is a case of colic.
  • vomiting
  • There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea…
  • “It’s difficult to sleep.”
  • skin issues, like hives, rashes, or eczema

Stress

“You can probably remember having butterflies in your stomach as an adult. Children may also have this sensation when they are stressed. Extreme feelings can upset a child’s stomach.”

Your child may experience abdominal pain or nausea when stressed.

Other symptoms may include:

  • There is a throbbing head.
  • “It’s difficult to sleep.”
  • I felt worried, angry, or annoyed.
  • acting out of a character.
  • withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities.

Menstrual pain

The average age for menstruation is around 12 to 13 years old, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But there’s a range, from younger to older. So if your child is in puberty and having mild to moderate lower abdominal It is a symptom of cramping., it may be that menstruation is around the corner.

Other menstrual symptoms may include:

It is also possible to have more severe menstrual pain, which is associated with conditions like endometriosis.

Groin pain

The groin muscles are located in the lowest part of the body, between the legs and thighs. Pain in this area can be caused by strains or tears from lifting heavy objects, or from a sports hernia.

Discomfort can range from mild to more stabbing pain. It’s “It’s local.” to the immediate area of the groin.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Lifting, stretching, or injury are the things that cause the pain.
  • swelling
  • It was bruised.
  • walking is difficult
  • There is pain in the leg.

“If you have a pain in your buttocks, you need to see your doctor. If your child has abdominal pain, you may want to consider surgery or antibiotics to clear an obstruction. If you suspect any of the conditions, contact your child’s doctor.”

Appendicitis

The colon has a small pouch attached to it. It can cause anthritis. The appendix can burst without treatment.

Abdominal pain with appendicitis tends to start suddenly around the belly button. Then, the pain eventually moves down to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. So if your child has sharp, “It’s local.” pain that moves to the right, keep watch.

Other symptoms of appendicitis can include:

  • It gets worse with movement, coughing, and sneezing.
  • It may be more severe than other types of pain your child has experienced before.
  • It is worsening. pain
  • No appetite.
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever….
  • There is abdominal swelling.

Intestinal obstruction

A bowel obstruction can have different causes.

  • Chunks of objects were swallowed.
  • There are some problems with the intestine.
  • IBD is a disease of the colon.

Sometimes a part of your child’s intestines may fold into the intestinal section directly next to it. This creates what’s called intussusception. Without treatment like enema or surgery, an obstruction can progress and be fatal within just 2 to 5 days.

Your child may experience pain that comes and goes or It is a symptom of cramping. pain.

Other symptoms of an obstruction can be found.

  • nausea
  • vomiting bile, which is green
  • The legs are being pulled into the chest.
  • There is blood in the stool.
  • There is a lack of a malaise.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are somewhat common in kids, especially those assigned female at birth. A 2021 review suggests that the majority of infections are caused by E. coli bacteria.

Your child may have sharp or dull. pain in the lower abdomen, around the bladder and kidneys. They could also have flank pain, which is pain on the sides or back of the trunk between the pelvis and ribs.

Other symptoms of UTIs can include:

  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever….
  • foul-smelling urine
  • There is blood in the urine.
  • There is pain with urinating.
  • urgent need to urinate
  • There are accidents with urine.

Babies may present differently with UTIs and have symptoms that include There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever…., vomiting, jaundice, or sepsis.

Infection

Various infections may also cause abdomen pain. For example, strep throat may cause nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. The feeling may be a vague or generalized pain versus something sharp.

Other signs of infection can include:

  • There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever….
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes.
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • There is a lack of lethargy.
  • sore throat.

Anaphylaxis

Unlike food intolerance, a food allergy can be life threatening if it leads to anaphylaxis. While early symptoms may be mild, things can escalate quickly into more severe symptoms, even with exposure to a small amount of an allergen.

Children may experience nausea, vomiting, There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea…, or abdomen pain. The key is to watch for other symptoms. Once you identify what’s going on, act fast and call 911 or local emergency services.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

  • hives, flushed skin, or pale skin (pallor)
  • It can be difficult to swallow or feel like there is a lump in your throat.
  • wheezing or trouble breathing
  • hoarseness when talking
  • A person has a nose that is not straight.
  • The lips or tongue is swollen.
  • The heart rate went up.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Intestinal problems (like hernia)

There are various types of hernia. A hernia may cause similar pain to a groin injury. But according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the pain may be more severe.

“The injury isn’t just to the muscle. A hernia happens when the intestines press through the weakened muscles in the groin.”

Other symptoms can include them.

  • bulge or swellingin the area of the hernia
  • It gets better with rest.
  • It gets worse with twisting or movement.

You may notice that your child has pain that keeps coming back. It is important to work with your doctor to determine the root cause of the abdominal pain and the course of treatment.

A 2018 review defined chronic abdomen pain as pain that happens in at least 3 episodes over a 3-month period and that disrupts a child’s usual everyday activities.

Causes

“Your child’s health history, symptoms, and other information will be used by your doctor to help diagnose chronic pain.”

In general, chronic issues can include intestinal conditions, IBD, or functional origin, meaning there’s no known cause.

Other causes may include:

A mild stomach ache is not a reason for concern, but your child may show other signs that you need medical help.

“Young children may not be able to tell you what is happening. When making a decision about whether or not to go to the emergency room, use your child’s mood and gut feeling.”

  • Intensity. If your child is inconsolable or says that their pain is severe, it may be serious. Even if the pain is intermittent, play it safe by getting it checked out.
  • Location. Is the pain in the lower right portion of your child’s abdomen? This may be a symptom of appendicitis, which may require surgery. An earlier warning sign with the appendix is pain around the belly button.
  • Vomit. Not just any vomiting, though. You’re looking for certain colors. If you see blood in the vomit, it could be something as simple as a nose bleed, but it’s still important to rule out anything worse. Green vomit is the other color of concern and could signal an intestinal blockage.
  • Stool. As with vomit, if you see blood in your child’s stool, along with abdomen pain, it might mean an infection, IBD, or some other issue that needs a doctor’s care.
  • Urine. If your child says it hurts to urinate, this may be a sign of a UTI, which needs antibiotics to clear up.
  • Allergy signs. Anaphylaxis can also cause stomach issues. Be on the lookout for wheezing, difficulty breathing, swellingof the lips or tongue, hives, pallor, or other signs of an allergic reaction, particularly if your child has a history of allergies. Don’t just go to the ER — call 911.
  • Other signs. If your child is losing weight, is lethargic, has symptoms of infection, or complains of anything else that’s out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

“Your child is going to experience pain in their stomach area. If your child doesn’t have any other symptoms, abdominal pain may be a mild cause for concern.”

However, if your child’s abdominal pain seems severe and is accompanied by There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever…., nausea, vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction, get help right away.

It is helpful to know common conditions and warning signs. Call your healthcare professional if you need help.