Any parent will tell you that stomachaches are a common part of childhood. But when your kiddo has tummy troubles and says, “It hurts,” that doesn’t give you a lot to go on.
Stomach pain in kids can show up in different ways. And the different types of pain can offer clues as to what’s causing the problem.
Most stomach pain can be lumped into three categories, including:
- Generalized pain or pain over more than half of the belly. This happens when your child has a stomach virus, indigestion, gas or when they are constipated.
- Localized pain in one area of the abdomen that is often severe and may indicate problems such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer or a gallbladder issue.
- Cramp-like pain typically caused by gas or bloating that is often followed by diarrhea.
What are the most common causes of stomachaches in kids?
The most common causes of stomach pain in children under the age of 12 include:
- Constipation. When your child has infrequent bowel movements or passes dry, hard poop, it can cause stomach pain around the belly button or the left lower side of the abdomen. Roughly 1 of every 20 visits children make to the doctor each year are related to constipation.
What to do: Ask a health care clinician about over-the-counter treatments, such as fiber supplements, stool softeners or a laxative. To prevent constipation, ensure your child drinks plenty of water, make high-fiber meals, limit sugary drinks and foods. - Stomach virus (gastroenteritis). This viral infections can cause watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps and pain. Severe causes may require medical attention.
What to do: Hydration and rest are key while you wait for the bug to run its course. - Indigestion. This type of upset stomach usually happens when kids eat too much or too fast or consume something that doesn’t agree with them. Indigestion can cause a burning sensation between the belly button and breastbone or bloating in the upper abdomen.
What to do: Indigestion typically goes away on its own within several hours. To prevent indigestion, have your child eat smaller meals throughout the day, avoid spicy, fried or acidic foods and encourage regular exercise. Talk with a health care clinician before giving your child over-the-counter antacid medications. - Reflux/acid irritation. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) isn’t just a problem for adults. It’s also common in babies and kids. Symptoms include vomiting, a sour taste in the mouth, upper-abdomen pain and excessive burping,
What to do: Kids with GERD should avoid soda, orange juice, tomato-based products and spicy foods. Antacids may help relieve discomfort. Talk with a health care clinician about a treatment plan if symptoms continue. - Anxiety or stress. This is a top trigger for gastrointestinal issues, especially in children. When kids are stressed or anxious, it can trigger abdominal cramps and discomfort.
What to do: Learn how to recognize anxiety symptoms in your child and how to help them lower their anxiety and stress levels. - Dehydration happens when your child’s body loses more fluids than it takes in. Severe dehydration can cause stomach pain or nausea and can also lead to constipation.
What to do: Ensure your child drinks enough liquids to maintain healthy bowel function. Water is the best option. Avoid soda pop and other sugary drinks. Too much sugar can cause stomachaches and lead to obesity and other health problems. - Urinary tract infection (UTI). When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney, it can cause pain in the lower belly, as well as nausea and vomiting. Additional symptoms in children include crying when peeing, a burning or stinging sensation when peeing, fever, chills, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, and new onset of bedwetting or accidents in children who are potty trained.
What to do: Talk with a healthcare clinician. Your child may need antibiotics to get back on track. - Lactose intolerance. If your child has trouble digesting lactose – the main sugar in milk and milk products – it can cause cramps, diarrhea and gas.
What to do: Eliminate milk products from your child’s diet for two weeks to see if symptoms improve. A health care clinician can also test them for lactose intolerance.
Recurring stomachaches may also be a sign of:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This common chronic condition causes inflammation of the intestinal tract. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an urgent need to poop.
- Food allergies. Food intolerance happens when your gut is sensitive to certain foods and can’t tolerate them. Symptoms include gas and abdominal pain.
- Celiac disease. This condition is caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten. Symptoms include stomach pain and bloating that keeps coming back.
Less common causes of stomach pain in children that require immediate medical care, include:
- Appendicitis. Inflammation of the appendix can cause sudden pain that begins around the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen.
- Intestinal obstruction. A blockage caused by a swallowed object, twisting or narrowing of the intestine, or scar tissue can prevent food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or colon. Common symptoms include stomach pain that comes and goes, abdominal swelling, or vomiting.
What foods should I give my child to ease stomach pain?
In general, low-fat, bland and slightly salty foods are the best remedies for an upset stomach. Stick with small portions throughout the day.
Saltine crackers are an awesome place to start. They are not only easy to digest, but they also:
- Absorb excess stomach acid.
- Help prevent acid from being released into the stomach.
- Are odorless and less likely to trigger nausea.
- Contain salt to help replace electrolytes.
Other tummy-soothing foods include:
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Clear soup or broth
- Jello
- Yogurt
- Noodles
- Rice
- Wheat toast
- Graham crackers
- Oats
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Apple, Toast) used to be the standard for helping kids recover from upset stomachs. But because it lacks the nutrients needed to help the gastrointestinal tract recover, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends kids return to a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of getting sick. That includes a combo of fruits, vegetables, yogurt, meat and complex carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread and cereals).
What are some home remedies for a stomachache?
Along with soothing foods, there are other remedies you can try at home to help ease your child’s stomach discomfort:
- Bring on the fluids. Proper hydration is critical when it comes to digestive health. Make sure your child takes in lots of clear liquids, especially if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Offer a spot of tea. Chamomile, peppermint or ginger tea can aid in digestion and reduce bloating. If tea isn’t your child’s bag, try warm lemon water, peppermint candies or ginger chews.
- Prescribe some R&R. Have your child lie down in a comfortable position and place a hot water bottle or heating pad across their lap to ease pain or cramps. A warm bath may help relax tense muscles, ease discomfort or help get things moving if your child is constipated.
Always consult a health care clinician before giving your child pain over-the-counter medications or laxatives.
When should I seek medical care for my child’s upset stomach?
In most cases, stomachaches aren’t serious and will go away on their own. But if you’re concerned about your child’s stomach pain, listen to your gut.
At Indigo, you don’t need to wait to ease your child’s discomfort – or your mind. We’re open 8 am to 8 pm every day to treat most minor injuries and illnesses, including upset stomachs. Just walk into one of our convenient locations or schedule an appointment online.
One of our friendly healthcare clinicians will evaluate your child’s symptoms, overall health and medical history, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. And if additional care is needed, Indigo will provide a referral to a specialist.
If your child’s upset tummy makes an in-person visit to the clinic difficult, an Indigo Virtual Care visit is a great option. Simply schedule a same-day or next-day appointment on your favorite device from the comfort of home.
Severe stomach pain can be a sign of something serious. Visit your nearest ER if your child has:
- Sudden onset of severe stomach pain.
- Severe stomach pain that makes it difficult to sit still, get comfortable, move, eat or drink.
- Abdominal swelling or a rigid, hard belly.
- High fever.
- Blood in their stool or vomit.
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting.
- Yellowish skin.
- Experienced a recent injury to the abdomen, such as a fall.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Diarrhea and vomiting and is younger than 3 months.
