Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in children, often signaling mild conditions but sometimes indicating serious health issues. Common causes include indigestion, stomach flu, constipation, celiac disease, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, and appendicitis, each with specific symptoms that warrant medical attention. Parents should consult a pediatrician if the pain persists, is severe, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms like fever or bloody stools.

1. ABDOMINAL PAIN
When to Seek Medical Care
IN
CHILDREN

2. Understanding Stomach
Pain in Children
Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint among
children. While the pain can often be mild and
disappear without medical intervention, there are
instances when it may signal a serious underlying
health condition and require medical care.
On the following slides, we will highlight some of the
most common causes of stomach pain in children
and provide insight on when to see your child’s
pediatric gastroenterologist or seek emergency care
for abdominal pain.

3. Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is one of the
most common causes of abdominal pain in children.
It's often due to overeating, eating too quickly, or
consuming greasy or spicy foods.
Symptoms can include bloating, belching, a feeling of
fullness, or burning between the belly button and
breastbone.
Limiting problematic foods and encouraging smaller,
more frequent meals can help manage indigestion-
related abdominal pain. Speak to your child’s
pediatrician if the discomfort continues or indigestion
becomes a recurring problem.

4. Stomach Flu
Gastroenteritis, often referred to as stomach flu, is
an inflammation of the stomach and intestines,
typically caused by a virus.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, watery
diarrhea, and sometimes fever.
Encourage rest, hydration, and bland foods as the
body recovers. If blood is observed in bowel
movements or your child has a fever of 100.4°F or
higher, seek medical care.

5. Constipation
Constipation, or difficulty with bowel
movements, can lead to discomfort and
abdominal pain. It often results from a diet low
in fiber or inadequate fluid intake.
Symptoms can include hard, dry stools or an
inability to go with regularity.
Increasing water consumption, dietary fiber,
and promoting physical activity can help to
alleviate constipation in children. Talk to your
child’s pediatrician if their constipation
continues for several days or causes weight
loss. If you notice blood in their stool, seek
emergency medical care right away.

6. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where
ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley
and rye) leads to damage of the small intestine.
The abdominal pain can be accompanied by
bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. Other
symptoms can include skin rashes, anemia, fatigue,
and joint pain.
If celiac disease is suspected, it's important your
child gets tested and avoids gluten-containing
foods. Treatment primarily involves adhering to a
strict gluten-free diet.

7. Lactose Intolerance &
Other Food Intolerances
Food intolerances arise when the body has difficulty digesting certain
foods, leading to abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea.
Lactose Intolerance: Specifically, the body cannot easily digest
lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can
appear within a few hours after dairy consumption and might include
bloating, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
Other Food Intolerances: There are many other types of food
intolerances, such as to fructose, histamine, and certain food
additives. These can present with various symptoms, but commonly
involve digestive upset.
If a food intolerance is suspected, it's essential to consult with your
child’s pediatrician who may recommend an elimination diet or other
tests to pinpoint the cause. Management typically involves reducing
or eliminating the offending foods from the diet.

8. Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition affecting the digestive
system, leading to abdominal pain, bloating, and
altered bowel habits. The pain can often be relieved
by passing a bowel movement.
Symptoms can also include diarrhea, constipation,
or alternating between the two. Some people might
also experience a feeling of incomplete evacuation
after going to the bathroom.
IBS can be managed through diet, stress reduction,
and medications, but it's important to consult with
your child’s pediatrician for a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan.

9. Stress or Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can physically manifest as
abdominal pain in some children. They can also
exacerbate the symptoms of conditions like IBS.
The pain can be intermittent or constant and is often
accompanied by other symptoms such as changes
in eating or sleeping patterns.
Addressing the root cause of stress or anxiety
through methods like therapy, mindfulness, or
relaxation techniques can help manage this pain.

10. Appendicitis
Appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix,
can cause severe abdominal pain that
typically starts around the navel and moves
lower and to the right. The pain can feel even
worse when coughing or walking.
Symptoms can also include fever, loss of
appetite, and vomiting.
If appendicitis is suspected, seek emergency
medical attention immediately as this
condition can be life-threatening.

11. When to See a
Pediatrician for
Abdominal Pain
It's advisable to contact your child's
pediatrician if their abdominal pain persists for
more than 24 hours, it's severe enough to
interfere with their daily activities, or if it's
accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
These can include:
● Fever
● Vomiting
● Unexplained weight loss
● Drastic changes in bowel movements

12. When to Seek
Emergency Care for
Abdominal Pain
Immediate emergency care is required if your
child's abdominal pain is severe and sudden, or if
it's accompanied by bloody stools or persistent
vomiting.
Other urgent signs include signs of dehydration
like dry mouth, absence of tears when crying, and
decreased urination, or if your child appears very
ill or unusually lethargic.
These could be indications of a serious health
condition that requires immediate intervention.

13. Pediatric Gastroenterology at
Crystal Run Healthcare
Our fellowship-trained pediatric gastroenterologists
are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for
children facing gastrointestinal challenges. We
specialize in:
● Diagnosing and treating a myriad of digestive
disorders.
● Utilizing the latest in medical technology and
therapies.
● Educating families about the conditions and
the treatments available.
● Offering unwavering support throughout your
child's healthcare journey.
Reach out to our Pediatric Gastroenterology
department online or call 845-703-6999.

14. Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007504.htm
Summary
Abdominal pain is a common issue for children.
Understanding some of the common causes, such as
indigestion, stomach flu, constipation, stress or anxiety,
and appendicitis, along with their symptoms, can help
parents or guardians know when it’s time to see the
pediatrician or seek emergency care.