First Aid
Abdominal pain in children
Children often complain of stomach pain. It is one of the most common reasons parents take children to their doctor or the hospital emergency department.
Many children with stomach pain get better in hours or days without special treatment and often no cause can be found. Sometimes the cause becomes more obvious with time and treatment can be started. If pain or other problems persist, see your doctor.
Causes of abdominal pain in children
There are many health problems that can cause stomach pain for children, including:
- bowel (gut) problems – constipation, colic or irritable bowel
- infections – gastroenteritis, kidney or bladder infections, or infections in other parts of the body like the ear or chest
- food-related problems – too much food, food poisoning or food allergies
- problems outside the abdomen – muscle strain or migraine
- surgical problems – appendicitis, bowel obstruction or intussusception (telescoping of part of the gut)
- period pain – some girls can have pain before their periods start
poisoning – such as spider bites, eating soap or smoking.
Repeat attacks of stomach pain
Some children suffer repeat attacks of stomach pain, which can be worrying for parents. Often, no health problem can be found.Children may feel stomach pain when they are worried about themselves or people around them. Think about whether there is anything that is upsetting your child at home, school or kindergarten, or with friends.
See your local doctor for advice. A referral may be needed to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in children).
Appendicitis
The appendix is a small, dead-end tube leading from a part of the bowel. If this tube gets blocked, it can cause an infection. Appendicitis can happen at any age but is rare in young children.
The pain often starts in the middle of the tummy and moves down low on the right side. This is often worse with coughing and walking around. A child with appendicitis often shows signs of being unwell such as fever, refusing food, vomiting or (sometimes) diarrhoea.
If you are concerned your child may be developing appendicitis, visit your local doctor or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
Diagnosis of abdominal pain in children
When a problem is obvious, no tests are needed. Treatment may be as simple as going home to rest, drink fluids and eat a bland diet. If tests are needed, they may include:
- blood tests
- urine test
- stool (poo) sample
- x-rays
- other special tests
- review by a specialist doctor.
Taking care of your child with abdominal pain
General suggestions on easing the pain include:
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.
- Help your child drink plenty of clear fluids such as cooled boiled water or juice.
- Do not push your child to eat if they feel unwell.
- If your child is hungry, offer bland food such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast.
- Encourage sitting on the toilet. Sometimes doing a poo helps to ease the pain.
- Place a hot water bottle or wheat bag on your child’s tummy or run a warm bath for them. Take care not to scald yourself or your child.
- Give paracetamol if your child is in pain or is miserable. Remember that doses for children are often different to those for adults, so check the packet carefully for the right dose. Avoid giving aspirin.
When to seek urgent medical help for abdominal pain in children
Go to your local doctor or the emergency department of your nearest hospital straight away if your child has:
- severe or worsening pain or pain that has moved position
- fever or chills
- become pale, sweaty and unwell
- been vomiting for more than 24 hours
- refused to eat or drink
- blood in their vomit or poo
- problems passing urine or is producing less than four wet nappies a day
- skin rash with pain
- any other problem that concerns you.
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