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“My stomach hurts.” It is some of the widespread complaints from school-aged youngsters and younger teenagers. Occasional abdomen ache in children is regular, however when it occurs typically, it is essential to know the commonest causes—and when to name your pediatrician.
Constipation
Even when your little one goes to the toilet commonly, they might nonetheless be constipated if their stools are onerous, rare, or tough to go. Kids who’re toilet-training, adjusting to a brand new routine, or holding of their bowel actions can develop into constipated.
What to search for: Fewer than three bowel actions per week, stomach bloating, straining, or complaints of ache earlier than or after utilizing the toilet.
Meals sensitivities
Widespread culprits embrace dairy, gluten, synthetic components, and even overly greasy or sugary snacks. These sensitivities can result in gasoline, cramping, or bloating after consuming.
What to search for: Patterns between sure meals and signs, like tummy aches, diarrhea, or pores and skin adjustments after meals.
Infections or abdomen viruses
Viruses and bacterial infections can wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Abdomen bugs typically come on abruptly and resolve on their very own, however it’s essential to observe your kid’s hydration and general consolation.
What to search for: Sudden onset of signs corresponding to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or indicators of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer moist diapers, or darkish urine).
Did You Know? Most store-bought ginger ale has little or no actual ginger—and its sugar and carbonation could make stomachaches worse. Stick with confirmed cures like Emetrol or Pepto Youngsters as a substitute.
Stress, nervousness, and the gut-brain connection
Can nervousness actually trigger abdomen ache?
“A common myth is that stress or anxiety causes ‘fake’ stomachaches. In reality, the gut and brain are closely connected—emotions can cause real physical pain, nausea, or changes in bowel habits,” explains Ajay Rana, MD, MCTR, FAAP, medical director of GCH’s Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Middle. “Just like stress can trigger headaches, it can also trigger abdominal pain.”
What to search for: Abdomen ache that worsens earlier than college or actions, bother sleeping, or behavioral adjustments.
Motility issues
Some youngsters have underlying issues with how their digestive system strikes meals, referred to as motility issues. These situations can result in persistent ache, bloating, nausea, and different uncomfortable signs.
“Chronic constipation and encopresis are the most common in children, but others include swallowing disorders such as achalasia, gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying), and Hirschsprung’s disease,” explains Dr. Rana. Diagnosing these issues usually requires analysis by a pediatric GI specialist.
What to search for: Extreme constipation, nausea, vomiting, early fullness after consuming, chest discomfort after swallowing, and signs that persist for weeks or months regardless of adjustments in weight loss plan or routine.
When to Search Care:
If a number of of the next signs is affecting your little one, contact their pediatrician to debate subsequent steps for testing or remedy:
Extreme or persistent ache (quite a lot of days)
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Blood in stool or vomit
Inexperienced or bile-colored vomit
A distended or onerous stomach
Fever together with abdomen ache
Unexplained weight reduction or slowed development
Ache that wakes a baby from sleep
Behavioral adjustments or college avoidance
Belief your intestine
The commonest reason for abdomen ache in youngsters is practical stomach ache—the place no structural downside is discovered. Nevertheless, if abdomen complaints have gotten frequent and disruptive, do not hesitate to achieve out to your pediatrician. Early analysis can typically deliver peace of thoughts—or show you how to resolve what is going on on.
Offered by
College of Rochester Medical Middle
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Why does my kid’s abdomen harm? 5 widespread causes of abdomen ache in children (2025, August 25)
retrieved 25 August 2025
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