Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Stomach Pain in Children

Stomach pain, or abdominal pain, is discomfort anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. The pain can be crampy, sharp, dull, constant or intermittent.

Constipation, stomach viruses, gas, food-related problems and urinary infections are common causes in children. Appendicitis, inflammation and other abdominal conditions can also cause pain.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Stomach Pain in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes and which symptoms need urgent care.

AAP Symptom CheckerStomach pain

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerStomach pain New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Pain is persistent, worsening or settles in one specific area.
  • Your child has repeated vomiting, fever or urinary symptoms.
  • There is blood in the stool or vomit.
  • Your child is drinking poorly or cannot do normal activities because of the pain.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Pain is severe and constant or the abdomen becomes rigid or very swollen.
  • Your child vomits bright green fluid.
  • Your child collapses, becomes very difficult to wake or has another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on stomach and bowels

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms