Printer Friendly Page

                          Belly (Abdominal) pain

What are the 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

What questions should I be prepared to answer by the doctor concerning abdominal pain and possible appendicitis or intestinal blockage in my child?

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



What signs and symptoms may suggest a serious cause for abdominal pain and 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 should I call my pediatrician concerning abdominal pain in my child?

• 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.