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Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger
Topic Overview
Abdominal pain in children is a common problem. About one out of
three children is seen by a doctor for abdominal pain by the time they are 15,
but only a small number of these children have a serious problem.
Complaints of abdominal pain are more common in children younger
than 11 years old and are often caused by changes in eating and bowel habits.
Most cases of abdominal pain are not serious, and home treatment is often all
that is needed to help relieve the discomfort.
Abdominal pain in children is often frightening and frustrating for
parents. Many times it is hard to find the exact cause of a child's abdominal
pain. Pain without other symptoms that goes away completely in less than 3
hours is usually not serious.
In children, abdominal pain may be related to
injury to the abdomen or
an
illness, such as
stomach flu, an
ear infection, a
urinary tract infection, or
strep throat. Constipation is a common cause of
abdominal pain in children. Some more serious causes of abdominal pain in
children include
appendicitis,
lead poisoning, or problems with the intestines, such
as
intussusception or
malrotation. Girls who start having menstrual periods
may have abdominal pain each month, and the pain may be more severe in some
months than others.
Babies and toddlers often react differently to pain
than older children who can talk about their pain. A baby may become fussy,
draw his or her legs up toward the belly, or eat poorly.
Older children may be able to point to the area of the
pain and describe how severe it is.
Abdominal pain can occur one time, or it can occur repeatedly over
several months.
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a condition that
affects children between the ages of 4 and 11.
Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to
determine if and when your child needs to see a health professional.
Emergencies
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Yes
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Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment?
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
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Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
If your child has any of the following symptoms, evaluate those
symptoms first.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Does your child have any of the following symptoms?
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
Home Treatment
Most of the time, a child's abdominal pain will get better with
home treatment and will not need a visit to a health professional.
Home treatment for abdominal pain often depends on other symptoms
that are present with the pain, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Be sure
to review the home treatment for any other symptoms your child has by looking
in the Related Information section of this topic.
Try the following, one at a time in the order listed, if your child
has mild abdominal pain without other symptoms:
- Have your child rest when he or she has mild
stomachaches. Most symptoms will get better or go away in 30
minutes.
- Have your child sip clear fluids, such as water, broth,
tea, or fruit juice diluted with water.
- Have your child try to
pass a stool.
If the measures above do not work, you may also try these:
- Serve your child several small meals instead of
2 or 3 large ones.
- Serve mild foods, such as rice, dry toast or
crackers, gelatin, or applesauce. Do not give your child spicy foods, other
fruits, and drinks that have caffeine or carbonation until 48 hours after all
symptoms have gone away. These foods may make your child's stomachache
worse.
- Do not give your child any medicines without talking to the
doctor first. Medicines may mask the pain or make it worse.
Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your child's
symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.
- Pain increases or localizes to one section of
the abdomen.
- Pain does not go away within 24
hours.
- Other symptoms develop, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
or fever.
- Pressing on the belly increases your child's
pain.
- The belly feels hard or looks very
swollen.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
Prevention
Abdominal pain in children can often be prevented.
- Abdominal pain in children is often caused by
irregular bowel habits. Become familiar with your child's normal bowel
patterns. Also, be aware of the size and consistency of your child's stools.
This will help to determine whether constipation is a problem. For information
on preventing constipation and establishing toilet training, see the topic
Constipation, Age 11 and Younger.
- Try to
make sure your child has regular eating habits. Overeating is a common cause of
abdominal discomfort. Have your child eat slowly and stop when he or she feels
full. For more information, see the topic
Healthy Eating for Children.
- Swallowing
air (aerophagia) can cause abdominal pain and a swollen abdomen. Your child may
also have a lot of belching or flatus. Limit chewing gum and carbonated
beverages to help prevent this. Many children swallow air when they are anxious
or frightened.
Preparing For Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your
child's condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:
- Has your child had an injury to the
abdomen?
- How long has your child had the pain?
- What was
your child doing when the pain started?
- Has your child had similar
episodes of abdominal pain before? What were these episodes like? How were they
treated?
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and
go?
- Is the pain localized to one area or generalized over the whole
belly?
- How severe is the pain? What has your child's activity level
been?
- Can your child describe the pain? Is the pain cramping, a
steady ache, or sharp and burning?
- What makes the pain better? What
makes the pain worse?
- Does your child have other symptoms, such as
nausea, urinary problems, constipation, or diarrhea?
- Is your child
vomiting? If so, describe how much, how often, and how long.
- Does
your child have a fever?
- Has your child recently traveled outside
of his or her native country?
- Has your child drunk any untreated
well, stream, or lake water?
- Does your child have any
health risks?
Related Information
-
Appendicitis
-
Colic
-
Constipation, Age 11 and Younger
-
Crying, Age 3 and Younger
-
Cystic Fibrosis
-
Dehydration
-
Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger
-
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
-
Fever, Age 3 and Younger
-
Fever, Age 4 and Older
-
Hirschsprung's Disease
-
Intussusception
-
Lead Poisoning
-
Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older
-
Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger
-
Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
-
Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC
- Pediatrics |
| Last Updated | February 16, 2007 |
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of severe pain if you need information to
help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat or
drink until you have talked with your child's health
professional.
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Yes
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Does your child have
severe pain that is not relieved by passing gas or
having a bowel movement?
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Yes
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Does pressing on your child's abdomen cause severe pain?
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Yes
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Is your child's abdomen swollen or hard (rigid) to the
touch?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of an injury if you need information to
help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat or
drink until you have talked with your child's health
professional.
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Yes
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Has your child had any bleeding from the
rectum,
urethra, or
vagina that started after an injury to the
abdomen?
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Yes
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Does pressing on your child's abdomen cause
severe pain?
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Yes
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Is your child's abdomen swollen or hard (rigid) to the
touch?
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Yes
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Has your child's pain
localized  below the right or left ribs?
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Yes
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Has your child had an abdominal wound that penetrated
deeper than a scratch?
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Yes
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Do you think your child's injury was intentionally caused
by another person?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat,
and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's
health professional.
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Yes
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Has your child vomited more than one time following an
injury to the abdomen?
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Yes
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Does your child still have pain when pressing on the
abdomen 1 hour after an injury?
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You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Has your child had nausea or has he or she vomited one
time in the last 24 hours?
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Yes
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Is your child less hungry than normal in the last 24
hours?
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Yes
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Has your child had an ongoing mild stomachache for 24
hours but no other symptoms?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of localized pain if you need information
to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat or
drink until you have talked with your child's health
professional.
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Yes
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Has your child had
severe pain that is not relieved by passing gas or
having a bowel movement?
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Yes
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Is your child's pain rapidly getting worse?
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Yes
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Does your child have nausea or vomiting?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat,
and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's
health professional.
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Yes
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Has your child had moderate pain for 4 hours without
other symptoms?
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Yes
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Does your child have pain with a new or different bulge
at the navel or groin?
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You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Has your child had mild pain that comes and goes for 48
hours but does not have other symptoms?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of generalized or cramping pain if you
need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat or
drink until you have talked with your child's health
professional.
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Yes
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Has your child had continuous
severe pain for 30 minutes or longer?
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Yes
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Has your child had mild to moderate
pain for more than 4 hours and the pain is getting
worse?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat,
and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's
health professional.
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Yes
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Has your child had mild to moderate pain for longer than
4 hours?
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You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Has your child had mild pain for 12 hours or
longer?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of developing a symptom or problem if you
need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
| Note: |
If your child has had surgery, be sure to answer all of the
other Check Your Symptoms questions. Your answers to the other questions will
help your child's doctor determine the severity of the problem.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Has your child developed a serious symptom or
problem?
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Yes
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Has your child developed a symptom or problem and you do
not know whether it is a serious symptom or problem?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Has your child developed a minor symptom or problem?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of abdominal pain and rectal bleeding if
you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Does your child have more than a streak of blood on the
surface of the stool or on the diaper?
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Yes
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Has your child had a stool with blood and mucus (looks
like red jelly) on it?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of abdominal pain and a fever if you need
information to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Does your baby younger than age 3 months have a
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
or higher?
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Yes
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Do you think your baby younger than age 3 months has a
fever but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
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Yes
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Does your child older than age 3 months have a
temperature of 105°F (41°C) or
higher?
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Yes
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Do you think your child older than age 3 months has a
high fever, but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Does your child have a fever and a
health risk that increases his or her chances of
having a serious problem?
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Yes
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Does your child have a temperature higher than
102°F (39°C) that has not come
down after 12 hours of home treatment and medicine?
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Yes
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Do you think your child older than age 3 months has a
moderate fever but you are unable to measure his or her temperature?
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You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Does your child have a temperature of
100.4°F (38°C) or higher that
has not come down after 24 hours of home treatment and medicine?
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Yes
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Do you think your child has had a mild fever for 24 hours
or longer, but you have not been able to measure his or her temperature?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of dehydration if you need information to
help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Does your child have symptoms of
moderate dehydration and he or she is unable or
unwilling to drink fluids?
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Does your child have symptoms of
moderate dehydration but he or she is drinking a small
amount of fluids?
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You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Has your child had symptoms of
mild dehydration for longer than 24 hours?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of a medicine causing abdominal pain if
you need information to help you answer the question below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
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Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
the following question.
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Yes
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Do you think that your child's abdominal pain may be
caused by a medicine?
| Note: |
If your answer is "Yes":
- Call the health professional who
prescribed your child's medicine to see whether your child should stop taking
the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be
needed.
- If your child is taking a medicine not prescribed by a
health professional, stop the medicine. Call your child's health professional
if you feel your child needs to keep taking the medicine or if you need help
controlling your child's symptoms after the medicine is stopped.
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
See
significance of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) if you
need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
child's symptoms.
|
Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
| Note: |
Do not allow your child to eat,
and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's
health professional.
|
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Yes
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Is your child's pain getting more severe?
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Yes
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Are your child's episodes of pain occurring more
often?
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Yes
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Is your child's current episode of pain different than
the other episodes?
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Your child needs an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to
any of the following questions.
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Yes
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Has your child had episodes of abdominal pain without
other symptoms?
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Yes
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Is your child less hungry than normal and he or she has
lost weight?
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If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated February 16, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
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