As a parent, hearing your child complain about a tummy ache can be worrying, but not all stomach pain in kids means something serious. Still, knowing when to seek emergency pediatric care could make all the difference. At Exceptional Emergency Centers, we specialize in offering fast, expert evaluations when your child needs it most.
Causes Of Stomach Pain in Children
Children often have difficulty describing exactly what they’re feeling, so stomach pain becomes a “catch-all” for anything from mild gas to serious conditions like appendicitis. That’s why parents need to look beyond just the complaint and assess the full picture. Most stomach pain in children isn’t serious and can be treated at home. Common causes include:
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Acid reflux or indigestion
- Viral infections (stomach flu)
- Stress, anxiety, or emotional upset
- Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
These are usually short-lived and improve with rest, hydration, and time.
When to Worry About Kids’ Stomach Pain
There are several red flags that medical professionals take seriously when evaluating stomach pain in children. While some symptoms may be linked to minor issues, others could indicate more severe conditions requiring immediate attention.
- Severe or Unrelenting Pain:
If your child is crying, visibly distressed, or unable to be distracted from the pain, this level of discomfort is not normal. Whether the pain is constant or comes in waves, any intense or persistent pain should prompt a visit to the doctor or ER. - Blood in the Stool:
Although blood in the stool is sometimes caused by constipation and may not be serious, it can also point to infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal issues, especially if it’s paired with abdominal pain. Always consult a physician if these symptoms occur together. - Vomiting Blood:
Vomiting blood, while sometimes resulting from minor issues like a nosebleed or mouth injury, should never be ignored if accompanied by stomach pain. Frequent vomiting can also irritate the esophagus, but any trace of blood in vomit warrants a call to your healthcare provider. - Green Vomit:
Green vomit may indicate a possible intestinal blockage, a condition that needs urgent medical attention. Although vomiting bile can happen after prolonged vomiting, it’s important to address green vomit and abdominal pain immediately. - Allergic Reactions with Stomach Pain:
If your child experiences stomach pain along with symptoms like hives, facial swelling, pale skin, dizziness, or trouble breathing, this may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Administer epinephrine if available and call 911 right away. - Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen:
Pain in the lower right side of the belly often raises concern for appendicitis. While it may begin near the belly button and shift downward, it’s crucial not to overlook this symptom. Other conditions, like constipation or ovulation in girls, can cause similar pain, but it’s always better to have it evaluated. - Fever with Severe Cough:
Although many viruses can cause a combination of cough and stomachache, pneumonia is a possible cause that parents might not immediately suspect. If the cough is severe, the child is breathing abnormally, or the stomachache worsens with fever, medical evaluation is essential.
Specialized Care Matters
When you bring your child to one of our ER locations, our board-certified pediatric specialists begin with a thorough exam and may use:
- Ultrasound or X-rays to rule out serious conditions
- Blood and urine tests to identify infection or inflammation
- IV fluids for dehydration
- An on-site pharmacy to get treatment started immediately
We’re equipped with state-of-the-art pediatric diagnostic tools and a compassionate team that’s available 24/7, with no appointments, no long waits, and no hesitation in emergencies.
Exceptional Emergency Centers: Here for Your Child, 24/7
Stomach pain in kids is something no parent wants to ignore. If your child’s symptoms raise concern, even if you’re unsure, it’s better to have a professional take a look. Exceptional Emergency Centers is here around the clock to provide fast, accurate, and child-focused care.
Don’t wait. Visit your nearest Emergency Center today, where your child’s comfort and safety always come first.