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Health Information For Parents
May also be called: Stomachache; Bellyache
Almost everyone has had abdominal pain at some point. While a stomachache can be a symptom of many conditions, most do not have a serious cause.
The amount of belly pain someone has does not always match the seriousness of the problem causing it. Sometimes very simple problems like gas or constipation can make a person very uncomfortable.
An infection (like a bout of “stomach flu” or “food poisoning“) can cause stomach pain, as can problems like appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Abdominal pain also can be a symptom of a food-related problem like celiac disease (a reaction to proteins in some grains), food allergies, or a food intolerance.
Stress also is a common cause of abdominal pain. In those cases, counseling to manage stress can be helpful.
In some cases, abdominal pain can be caused by a problem in another part of the body (like the chest).
Treatment, if needed, will depend on the cause of the abdominal pain. Kids should not be given laxatives, antacids, or other medicines unless recommended by a doctor.
While many cases of abdominal pain are minor, some can have a more serious cause, like appendicitis. So call your doctor if the pain is very strong, is accompanied by repeated vomiting, or the discomfort gets worse over time or doesn’t go away.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Ugh. Bellyaches. Find out what causes tummy trouble in this article for kids.
Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection marked by severe diarrhea. Here’s how to protect your family.
Lots of different problems can cause similar kinds of stomach pain – not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on.
Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention, so it’s important to know its symptoms. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.
Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection and severe diarrhea. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Having irritable bowel syndrome can make a kid feel awful. The good news is that kids can take steps to feel better.
Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they’re concerned about symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.
An abdominal X-ray can help find the cause of many abdominal problems, such as pain, kidney stones, intestinal blockage, a hole in the intestine, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor.
People who have celiac disease, a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten, can’t eat certain kinds of foods. Find out more – including what foods are safe and where to find them.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.
