Abdominal Pain (Child)

Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons parents take their children to see a doctor. It can be tricky for both parents and the doctor to ascertain the severity of the ‘tummy ache’ as children usually react to any abdominal pain in the same manner.

Causes

The cause of abdominal pain in a child can range from the trivial to life threatening. However, a common cause is constipation (See Constipation). Fortunately, the pain often improves quickly after medical care.

There are many organs in the abdomen. Pain in the abdomen can originate from any one of them, including:

• Organs involved in digestion – stomach, the end of the esophagus, small and large intestines, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. 
• The appendix – an organ in the lower right abdomen that does not serve much function.
• The kidneys – two bean-shaped organs that lie deep within the abdominal cavity.

The pain may originate from elsewhere – like the chest or pelvic region. You may also have a general infection affecting many parts of your body, like the flu or a strep throat (sore throat).

Symptoms

Pain in the abdomen could be focused in one area or sometimes felt in a few areas including upper and lower abdomen and left and right abdomen. Sometimes, the child may feel a cramping pain. The abdominal pain can also be accompanied with vomiting, diarrhea or fever.

Risk Factors

Abdominal pain is common in children. Only a small number of children with abdominal pain have a serious problem. There are no known risk factors for abdominal pain in children although it is often caused by changes in eating and bowel habits.

Prevention

As abdominal pain in children is often caused by constipation, it is important to help your child establish regular bowel patterns. Get your child to eat at regular times. Avoid overeating by having your child eat slowly and stop when he or she is full.

Swallowing air can also cause abdominal pain and a swollen abdomen. Limit chewing gum and carbonated beverages to prevent this. Many children also swallow air when they are anxious or frightened.

When To Seek Help

The difficulty for a parent or caregiver is in deciding which complaints need emergency care and which do not. The intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition that is causing the pain.

Severe abdominal pain can be due to mild conditions, such as gas or the cramping of viral gastroenteritis. On the other hand, life-threatening conditions, such as early appendicitis, can come with relatively mild or even no pain at all.

Your child needs to see a doctor if he or she has severe abdominal pain, poor appetite, persistent pain lasting more than three hours and persistent vomiting or pain which is not located at the centre of the abdomen.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the child’s medical history, physical examination and test results. Treatment options can be as simple as adequate rest, changes to the child’s diet and fluid intake. The doctor may also prescribe medication such as acetaminophen to control any fever. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor.