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February 3, 2012
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Abdominal Pain in Children

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Abdominal Pain in Children Overview

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for a parent to bring his or her child to medical attention. Evaluation of a "tummy ache" can challenge both parents and the physician.

Possible causes for a child's abdominal pain range from trivial to life-threatening, with little difference in the child's complaints. Fortunately, abdominal pain in a child usually improves quickly. Each parent or caregiver faces the difficulty deciding whether a complaint needs emergency care or not.

Abdominal Pain in Children Causes

  • Infections: Viruses or bacteria can cause abdominal pain, typically from stomach flu or gut flu (called gastroenteritis). Viral infections tend to go away quickly, while bacterial infections may need an antibiotic to get better.

  • Food-related: Food poisoning (which has symptoms like those of stomach/gut flu), food allergies, eating excessive food, or gas production – any of these can cause bloating and temporary discomfort.

  • Poisoning: This can range from simple problems, such as eating soap, to more serious issues like swallowing iron pills or an overdose of medications [such as acetaminophen poisoning (Tylenol)].

  • Surgical problems: These include appendicitis and blockage of the bowels.

  • Medical causes: Things outside the abdomen can cause abdominal pain. For example, a child can have abdominal pain from complications of diabetes or from a black widow spider bite.

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Abdominal Pain in Children - Causes

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Abdominal Pain In Children At Night - Treatment

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Abdominal Pain in Children

Topic Overview

Abdominal pain in children is a common problem. About one out of three children is seen by a doctor for abdominal pain by the time they are 15, but only a small number of these children have a serious problem.

Complaints of abdominal pain are more common in children younger than 11 years old and are often caused by changes in eating and bowel habits. Most cases of abdominal pain are not serious, and home treatment is often all that is needed to help relieve the discomfort.

Abdominal pain in children is often frightening and frustrating for parents. Many times it is hard to find the exact cause of a child's abdominal pain. Pain without other symptoms that goes away completely in less than 3 hours is usually not serious.

In children, abdominal pain may be related to injury to the abdomen or an illness, such as stomach flu, an ear infection, a urinary tract infection, or strep throat. Constipation is a common cause of abdominal pain in childre...

Read the Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger article »


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