Abdominal Pain Specialist

What is abdominal pain like in children?

Your child can suffer from various symptoms related to abdominal pain, including:

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating

When your child feels discomfort around the belly button area, you usually don’t need to worry. It may just be a tummy ache caused by indigestion. Ways to help them feel better include asking your child to lie down for a while, finding out if they need to have a bowel movement, or distracting them with a game or a book. Typically, the pain goes away.

If your child’s symptoms appear more serious, bring them in to see the team at Kids and Tummies for an evaluation. Concerning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or severe pain that doesn’t go away.

What causes abdominal pain?

Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include:

• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stress and anxiety
• Gastritis
• Food sensitivities
• Lactose intolerance
• Irritable bowel syndrome

More serious conditions that may cause abdominal pain include appendicitis, When the team examines your child, diagnostic testing might be required to determine or rule out certain conditions. Your providers can identify the cause of your child’s issues and treat them effectively.

When does my child’s abdominal pain need medical attention?

While most abdominal pain resolves with time or at-home care, sometimes it signals a condition that needs care from a pediatric gastroenterologist. The location of the pain may help determine the cause, which could include conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or gallstones. 

Appendicitis

Appendicitis can cause severe, acute pain in the lower right side of a child’s abdomen. The onset of pain can be sudden. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent a ruptured appendix.

Pancreatitis

Pain on the left side of the abdomen can signal a common problem, such as constipation or indigestion. While it’s rare, it can also be a sign of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps maintain blood sugar levels and plays a role in digestion.

Gallstones

If your child has upper stomach pain, especially after eating, it could simply be indigestion. It’s less likely, but upper right-sided abdominal pain could also mean they have gallstones, which can block the bile duct. Gallstones are typically an adult issue, but they’re more common in children with obesity or sickle cell disease, or those with relatives who had gallstones.

If your child suffers from recurrent or severe abdominal pain, call Kids and Tummies today to schedule an appointment or book your child’s visit online.