Abdominal pain, also known as stomach ache, is very common in children. It can be due to a variety of causes, including constipation, stress, food poisoning and a number of other medical reasons.
The word ‘stress’ can have a variety of meanings, but generally describes the physical and mental responses of the body to a demand placed upon it. Often used to describe conditions where the demand is high or unable to be resolved and creates anxiety and tension.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.
Abdominal pain can be divided into two types:
Underlying causes of acute abdominal pain can include:
This is often confused with appendicitis due to the presentation of symptoms and location of the pain - usually in the lower right-hand quarter of the abdomen, or near the bellybutton. This condition is usually caused by a viral infection. Your child may develop a high temperature, a flushed face and refuse to eat or drink anything; vomiting and general malaise are often noted. This usually passes within a week, with fluids and pain-relief medications being the best treatment. Your child may be admitted to hospital to undergo further testing, to rule out appendicitis.
Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and children between 5-15 years of age, but can occur at any time. Symptoms are usually vomiting, diarrhea and pain that worsens with walking, coughing or vigorous movement. The pain usually starts in the middle of the child's abdomen near their bellybutton, but then moves to their lower-right abdomen.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency because without treatment, the appendix can rupture, releasing bacteria and feces (stool) into the abdomen, which can potentially be life-threatening.
Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is a highly contagious condition that often affects whole communities. Symptoms include acute stomach pain accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. The best treatment is bed rest and sips of water; hospitalization is only required if your child has been persistently vomiting and has become dehydrated. Hand washing is very important, as 'gastro' can spread to the whole family very quickly.
Intussusception is a form of bowel obstruction, in which one part of the intestine 'telescopes' inside another. This usually occurs in very young children, between three months and two years of age. Pain is usually sudden and occurs in waves. Your child can have a swollen abdomen, vomit, become weak and may draw their legs upwards. They will often pass blood in the stool, which looks like redcurrant jelly. Intussusception is a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment.
Bowel obstruction occurs when something stops the normal movement of food, liquids and gas through the digestive system. Symptoms are persistent vomiting, swollen abdomen, lack of bowel movements or ability to pass gas and increasing pain. It is a medical emergency and warrants immediate treatment, as lengthy delays in seeking treatment can be life-threatening.
Young children are at great risk of poisoning as they may not understand warning labels, nor being told 'not' to drink or eat something. Adult medications, contaminated food, berries, plants, household products, batteries and soap are all common causes of poisoning. Magnets are also a common reason for hospitalization, as they can cause bowel obstruction by sticking together through the intestinal wall. Symptoms will depend on what they have eaten, but paleness, vomiting and severe abdominal pain are commonly seen.
If you think your child has swallowed something inedible or poisonous, take them straight to hospital or call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.
If your child experiences abdominal pain after falling from a bicycle or from a height, take them straight to the emergency room to rule out internal trauma. If your boy reports pain or swelling in his testes, this needs immediate medical attention as he may have a testicular torsion, a condition requiring immediate surgery.
Underlying causes of chronic abdominal pain can include:
Many young children have constipation, often due to not wanting to use the toilet in an unfamiliar place, or ignoring the body's signals to open their bowels. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, to get lots of exercise and ensure they have enough fiber in their diet in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables. Prompt them to go to the bathroom after eating and watch out for signs of pain when they pass a bowel movement.
If your child is experiencing abdominal pain alongside constipation or diarrhea, bloating and passing mucus in their stool, they may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If this has been happening for more than two months at least once a week, your doctor may suggest seeing a specialist to confirm a diagnosis.
Coeliac disease is the inability to digest gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat, barley and many prepared foods. Common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain with bloating, reduced appetite, skin conditions and weight loss. There is often a genetic link with a close relative also having the condition. Diagnosis is made via a blood test or biopsy.
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect children as young as seven years old. It presents as colicky abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood in the stool and tiredness. Crohn's disease causes severe inflammation in your child's bowel, leading to malabsorption (the intestine's inability to fully absorb nutrients) and weight loss. Crohn's disease is diagnosed by a specialist know as a gastroenterologist. This condition responds well to medication.
Children are prone to tummy upsets if they are worried about something. If your child is having recurring tummy trouble, try and find out if there is something troubling them at school or home.
If your child displays any of the following symptoms, take them to your doctor or emergency department immediately:
Microscopic, single-celled organisms with DNA but no definite nucleus. Bacteria are the cause of many human diseases.
Waste or excrement that is discharged from the bowels after digestion.
A mixture of proteins that occur in wheat, barley, rye and similar grains.
Pain across the face, eye, ears and other head or neck areas. Can be a dull ache, stabbing or throbbing pain.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.
A group of conditions characterized by chronic, episodic inflammation of the bowels, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
An intestinal obstruction in which one part of the intestine is inverted into another.
A thick, viscous liquid that is secreted for lubrication and to form a protective lining over certain tissues.
Substances in foods that are necessary for the body to function and grow. They include macronutrients, which provide energy and micronutrients, which are substances needed in small amounts such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
The male sex organs located in the scrotum that produce sperm.
The male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
This condition occurs when a testicle rotates, twisting the spermatic cord and reducing blood flow to the scrotum. Symptoms such as severe pain and swelling can develop suddenly.
1. Physical injury to the body caused by force or a toxic substance. 2. Psychological damage caused by a severely disturbing experience.
The yellowish fluid made by the kidneys and moved via the urinary tract out of the body. It contains waste products, excess water and electrolytes.
Pertaining to an illness caused by a virus.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.
The part of the digestive tract that comprises the small and large intestines.
The area where the abdomen joins the thighs.
Your family doctor will take a medical history before examining your child, to see if there is an obvious cause for their discomfort. As children are often frightened or shy when they visit the doctor, it will help if you have written down all their signs and symptoms to include:
Your doctor will want to physically examine your child to see if there is an obvious cause for their pain. Physical complaints such as appendicitis and constipation tend to have recognizable signs, so your doctor will want to gently examine your child's abdomen.
If your doctor can find no obvious reason for your child's pain, they may suggest further testing such as:
A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body.
A protein molecule produced by the immune system. Antibodies bind specifically to foreign substances to neutralize them or target them for destruction.
Microscopic, single-celled organisms with DNA but no definite nucleus. Bacteria are the cause of many human diseases.
During a blood test, blood can be drawn using a needle or by a finger prick. Your blood can then be analyzed to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
The yellowish fluid made by the kidneys and moved via the urinary tract out of the body. It contains waste products, excess water and electrolytes.
The type of treatment offered will depend on what is causing your child's abdominal pain, but the most common options are:
If your child's abdominal pain is due to constipation or overindulgence in unhealthy foods, you may be referred to a dietitian. Including at least five portions of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains in their daily intake can promote healthier bowel movements. Drinking lots of water and getting plenty of exercise is also important in keeping their bowels moving.
Most doctors prefer not to give children medication, though in some cases it will be necessary, such as in the following situations:
If your child has appendicitis, bowel obstruction, intussusception, or eaten something that has perforated or become stuck in their bowel, they will be admitted for surgery. The type of surgery required will depend on their circumstances.
A health professional who specializes in diet and nutrition.
An intestinal obstruction in which one part of the intestine is inverted into another.
Any substance that causes or encourages bowel movements.
Pertaining to an illness caused by a virus.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.
The part of the digestive tract that comprises the small and large intestines.
Relating to bacteria, which are microscopic organisms with DNA, but no definite nucleus. They are capable of causing many diseases in humans.
The majority of causes for abdominal pain in children tend to pass without any complications. There is always a slight risk involved with any surgery - mainly infection or localized bleeding - but children tend to bounce back from surgery much more quickly than adults.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.
The outlook for most cases of abdominal pain in children is good, with most cases passing with simple bed rest, sips of water and mild pain-relief medication. If your child has a medical reason for their pain, they will be referred to a specialist or treated in hospital where recovery is usually quick and uneventful. Your doctor will advise you if a referral to a specialist is required.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.
There is no fail-safe way to stop your child having abdominal pain, but keeping an eye on what they eat will help. Monitor their consumption and limit the amount of snack foods, fizzy sodas and sweets they eat, as children often do not know when to stop. Keeping a food diary will help pinpoint any foods that cause problems, as children will not always remember.
Young children sometimes eat non-food items (e.g., coins); usually these will pass through their digestive system without trouble. Ingestion of medicines and poisons are much more worrisome; these products must be kept in lockable cupboards away from children. Keep a close watch on any signs your child is stressed or worried and see if these have any correlation to their abdominal pain.
Relating to the abdomen, the middle portion of the trunk which contains organs such as the intestines, stomach and liver.