Stomach aches in a child can be the result almost anything from stress to simply having eaten something that disagrees with their digestive system. It’s important to keep in mind however that if your child is also feverish and vomiting or has diarrhea, in addition to stomach pains, there’s probably something more serious going on. If this is the case, you should either take the child to your local ER, or schedule an appointment with their pediatrician as soon as possible.

Causes of Stomach Pain

Stress

Some children simply have naturally “sensitive” stomachs and stress at school or at home can cause stomach aches that, while they may have no actual medical cause, can generate very real pain for the child. These kind of stomach aches require as much attention from you as the flu. Generally these pains subside with gentle reassurances, or by having the cause of the stress removed. Simple questioning of the child can sometimes determine if stress is indeed what is causing your child’s stomach pain.

Stomach Flu

Also known as Gastroenteritis, the stomach flu is usually caused by a virus, and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics. That said, it still doesn’t mean that you can simply sit back and wait for the bug to run its course. That’s because the stomach flu generally also involves vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite, which can lead to dehydration. If your child has the flu you’ll want to make sure they get enough fluids during the two to three days that the illness persists. Give fluids such as Gatorade or electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte or Rehydralyte Popsickles. You’ll know your child is getting enough fluids if they urinate regularly, have moist lips and skin, and shed tears when they cry. If this is not the case you’ll need to get the child to your pediatrician, or local ER, immediately.

Something they ate.

Stomach pain caused by something your child ate is usually accompanied by gas and cramps and will generally subside after a bowel movement. If your child is younger, a gentle tummy rub while they’re sitting on the toilet can help give comfort.

When should you see the doctor?

• Anytime you are concerned about your child’s stomach pain and need advice that you feel only a doctor or medical provider can give.
• If your child’s pain does not subside after a reasonable amount of time.
• If your child is vomiting or has a fever in addition to the stomach ache.
• If the pain is severe and sudden.
• If your child, in addition to the stomach pain, is irritable or drowsy.
• If your child’s stomach pain starts to move to the lower right side and keeps them from standing up straight (this is regardless of whether or not the child is vomiting, and/or has a fever.)
• If you notice blood in your child’s stool.
• If your child is diabetic and complains of stomach pain when there seems to be no obvious cause.
• If your child is AD(H)D and has recently begun medication.

THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE BE SURE TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANY MEDICAL CARE.