Tummy pain is one of the most common complaints in children. As a parent, you’ve likely heard “My stomach hurts!” more than a few times.
“Stomachaches are very common in children,” said Swati Kolpuru, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist. “Both gastrointestinal (GI) causes and non-GI causes can cause tummy pain.”
Most of the time, a tummy ache is mild and goes away on its own. But in some cases, it can be a sign of something more serious. Knowing the difference can help you understand how to respond.
Read on to learn about the most common reasons for tummy pain in children and when it’s time to seek medical care.
Common causes of stomach pain in children
1. Gas and bloating
Gas is one of the most frequent causes of stomach pain in kids. It happens when air builds up in the digestive tract, causing bloating and discomfort. Kids can swallow air when eating too quickly, drinking from a straw or drinking carbonated drinks.
How to help: Encourage your child to eat more slowly and avoid fizzy drinks. Gentle activity, like walking, can also help move the gas through their system.
2. Constipation
Constipation is another common issue. Hard or infrequent bowel movements (poops) can cause cramping and pain.
“Most kids don’t drink enough water and dehydration in combination with a poor diet are the two biggest factors in constipation,” Dr. Kolpuru said. “Things like potty training and illnesses can sometimes trigger constipation.”
How to help: Ensure your child drinks plenty of water and eats fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If constipation continues, talk to your child’s health care provider for possible treatments.
3. Stomach viruses (gastroenteritis)
The stomach flu can cause tummy pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These viruses are highly contagious, so if your child has been around other sick children it’s possible they picked up a bug.
How to help: Keep your child hydrated by offering small sips of water or electrolyte drinks. Avoid solid foods for a few hours to let their stomachs rest. Start back slowly with bland foods like crackers, toast or applesauce.
“You can also give them a probiotic,” Dr. Kolpuru said. “Building up good flora in the GI tract is especially useful if your child has had a recent bout of illness or was treated with antibiotics.”
Call their provider if vomiting and diarrhea lasts more than a day, you notice blood in your child’s throw-up or poop or their pain worsens.
4. Food intolerances
Lactose intolerance (problems digesting dairy) and gluten sensitivity (issues with wheat) are common issues that can cause stomach discomfort. These can start in late childhood or adolescence and can become more noticeable in adulthood.
How to help: “One way to check to see if your child has trouble digesting wheat or dairy is to remove all products from their diet for two weeks to see if symptoms improve,” Dr. Kolpuru said. “If you suspect an intolerance, talk to their provider, who may recommend tests or changes to your child’s diet.”
5. Stress and anxiety
Kids often express their worries through physical symptoms. Stress and anxiety in children often show up with stomach pain, nausea and other GI symptoms.
“Stress and anxiety are more common in children than many people often realize,” Dr. Kolpuru said. “When children have recurrent stomachaches and we cannot find a medical explanation, the next thing we look at is stress. Are there changes at home or trouble at school or with friends that may be causing stress to manifest itself as a stomachache?”
How to help: Talk to your child to see if something is worrying them. Encourage relaxation techniques like deep breathing. If stress seems to be a constant cause of tummy pain, consider speaking with a child therapist or counselor for more support.
For more tips, read “Helping Your Child Cope With Their Stress.”
6. Overeating
Eating too much, especially rich, spicy or fatty foods, can cause tummy aches in children. This often happens during special events, like birthday parties or holidays.
How to help: Encourage your child to eat slowly and pay attention when they feel full. Portion control and healthier snacks can prevent overeating and the pain that comes with it.
7. Period pain (menstrual cramps)
In older children, especially tweens and teenagers, stomach pain may be caused by period cramps. Many experience cramping in the lower stomach area before or during their periods. This can cause mild or moderate discomfort and may sometimes include headaches, diarrhea and back pain.
How to help: A heating pad, rest or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medicines like ibuprofen can help with period pain. Encourage your child to stay active, as light exercise can help ease cramping. If the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, it’s a good idea to talk to their provider.
More serious causes of stomach pain
While most tummy pain is harmless, you should be aware of a few more serious conditions in children. These often cause more intense pain, and it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice certain symptoms.
8. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a serious condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. The pain typically starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right side of the stomach (abdomen).
“The pain from appendicitis often gets worse over time. Your child may also have a fever, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite,” Dr. Kolpuru said.
How to help: If your child has sharp or worsening pain on the right side of their stomach, especially if they experience other symptoms, take them to the nearest urgent care or emergency department (ED). Surgery is usually needed to remove the appendix before it bursts (ruptures).
9. Intussusception
“Intussusception is a form of intestinal obstruction or blockage where a loop of the bowel (intestine) telescopes (slides inward) into another portion of the bowel, preventing food from passing through the intestine,” Dr. Kolpuru said.
This condition is most common in infants and toddlers. It is a serious condition as it can cut the blood supply to the bowel, causing tissue damage, infection and internal bleeding.
How to help: Intussusception is a medical emergency. If your child has severe, cramping pain that comes in waves and seems to get worse over time, seek immediate care at the ED. “With early interventions, most complications can be avoided,” Dr. Kolpuru said.
10. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
UTIs can sometimes cause stomach pain, especially in younger children who might not recognize the pain as coming from their bladder. Symptoms include pain or burning when they pee, a frequent need to go to the bathroom and sometimes a fever.
How to help: If your child has these symptoms, their provider can diagnose a UTI with a urine test and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Takeaway
Tummy pain in children is common and usually not serious. In most cases, it’s caused by things like gas, constipation or mild stomach viruses. These can often be treated at home with hydration, rest and simple dietary changes.
However, if your child’s pain seems severe, lasts for a long time or includes other symptoms like vomiting, fever and trouble passing bowel movements, it’s important to see your child’s health care provider. Conditions like appendicitis and intussusception need prompt medical attention.
As a parent, trusting your instincts is key. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to seek help and ensure your child gets the care they need. Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider or Banner Health specialist.
