Causes and Symptoms of Stomach Pain in Young Children

Abdominal pain in young children can be distressing for both the child and their parents. As pediatric surgeons, we frequently work with families to address these concerns, helping them understand the signs and potential causes of this discomfort. In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms and causes of stomach pain in children and provide guidance for parents on how to respond to these situations.

Two Groups Of Children

When it comes to expressing abdominal pain, children generally fall into two categories:

Those Who Can Communicate Their Pain: Older children can usually describe the location and nature of their pain, such as “It hurts in my stomach” or “I feel pain around my belly button.”

Those Who Cannot Communicate Their Pain: Infants and toddlers, who cannot describe their pain verbally, may show signs of discomfort through behaviors like persistent crying. This can often be linked to intestinal issues, a common cause of discomfort in very young children.

Recognizing these differences helps parents better understand their child's distress and respond effectively..

Key Signs To Watch For

When evaluating abdominal pain in children, parents should pay close attention to the following indicators:

Continuous Crying: If a child is crying and does not seem to be calmed by usual comforts, it may be a sign of pain.

Green Vomiting: If a child vomits green material, this is a serious indication that there may be a blockage in the intestines. Such a situation may require immediate medical attention, possibly involving surgery.

Identifying The Source Of Pain

Older children can usually pinpoint the location of their pain, describing it as being in the upper abdomen, middle, lower abdomen, right side, or left side. Most commonly, abdominal pain in children is felt around the navel area. The potential causes can generally be classified into two categories:

Intestinal Issues: Pain around the navel is often linked to problems with the intestines.

Urinary Tract Problems: In some cases, children may also experience discomfort due to urinary tract infections, which can cause burning sensations while urinating.

Additionally, abdominal pain may sometimes accompany a fever, which is considered a secondary cause of abdominal pain.

What Parents Should Do

If your child is crying and folding their legs, this may suggest abdominal pain. If they exhibit green vomiting, it’s essential to take these signs seriously. Here are two critical actions to take:

Consult a Pediatric Surgeon: While pediatricians are skilled in diagnosing and treating various conditions, abdominal pain often requires the specialized expertise of a pediatric surgeon.

Consider an Ultrasound: If your child is experiencing significant abdominal pain, an abdominal ultrasound can help identify the underlying issue.

Final Thoughts

Understanding abdominal pain in young children is vital for prompt and effective care. If you have concerns about your child’s health, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. For more information or to discuss specific concerns, feel free to contact us.

Your child’s health is our priority, and we are here to help.