Solving Tummy Discomfort

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Causes of Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint of children who come to the ER.  Although most children with abdominal pain have a condition that will resolve on its own, the pain may indicate a serious medical or surgical emergency.

There are many different causes for sudden abdominal pain in children and will vary depending on age.  The following is a partial list of some of the common causes of sudden, or acute, abdominal pain in children:

Within the Abdomen

• Viral or bacterial infection of the intestines ("stomach bug" or gastroenteritis)

            - the most common cause of abdominal pain
            - typically see vomiting, diarrhea, and fever

• Food poisoning

           - sudden abdominal cramps, vomiting, and possibly diarrhea within 1 - 6 hours after eating something bad

           - usually no fever

• Heartburn
          - may result from eating or drinking acidic foods such as food with tomato sauce or citrus fruits or juices
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gas
• Menstrual cramps
• Colic
  
• Constipation
           - may also cause long-term, or chronic, abdominal pain
   

Potentially serious causes for abdominal pain within the abdomen:

• Trauma or injury to the belly area
• Hernia
• Appendicitis
• Intestinal blockage or obstruction
            - important clue is the presence of dark green vomitus (bile) or blood in the stool

Outside of the Abdomen

• Urinary tract infection
• Pneumonia
• Strep throat
• Testicle problem

Questions to Ask a Doctor

• How long has your child had abdominal pain?
• What part of the belly did the pain start?
• Has the pain moved to another location of the belly?
• Has your child had fever?
• Has your child had vomiting and/or diarrhea?
• Did the vomiting and/or diarrhea come before or after the belly pain?
• Describe the color and nature of the vomitus and the stools.  Is the vomitus dark green? Is any blood present?
• Any signs of pneumonia, such as cough and difficulty breathing?
• Any signs of a urinary tract infection, such as painful urination or foul smelling urine?
• Have bouts of abdominal pain occurred in the past? If so, what aggravates it and makes it feel better?
• Has your child had a recent fall or injury to the belly area?
• Are other family members sick with abdominal pain too?
• Does your child have a problem with constipation?
• Does your child have a history of diabetes, sickle cell disease, or cystic fibrosis?
• Have there been any recent emotional stressors in the family?

Signs/Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Treatment

• Blood in the stool
• Dark green vomitus (bile)
• Continuous vomiting
• Continuous or increasing abdominal pain
• Pain in the right lower part of the belly
• Continuous lethargy or irritability
• High fever
• A fall or injury to the belly area
• Pain in a testicle
• Difficulty breathing

When to Call the Pediatrician

• You should call your doctor anytime your child’s abdominal pain is not improving or is worsening, including not drinking well and any signs of dehydration.
• Call immediately for any signs or symptoms that may suggest a serious cause for the abdominal pain as listed above.