Acute Abdominal Pain in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

What do I need to know about acute abdominal pain in children?

Acute abdominal pain usually starts suddenly and gets worse quickly.

What are minor causes of acute abdominal pain in children?

Constipation
Acid reflux
An allergic reaction to food, or food poisoning
Colic in infants
Stress
Monthly period pain in older female children

What are serious causes of acute abdominal pain in children?

A blockage in your child's bowels
Inflammation or rupture of your child's appendix
Bleeding in your child's abdomen or organ
An ulcer or tear in your child's esophagus, stomach, or intestines
Swelling or an infection in your child's abdomen or organ
Stones in your child's kidney or gallbladder
Twisting of your child's testicles or ovaries
An ectopic pregnancy in older female children

How is the cause of acute abdominal pain diagnosed?

The cause of your child's abdominal pain may not be found. Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's pain. Tell the provider when your child's pain started and about any recent travel, surgery, or injury. Also tell him or her what makes your child's pain better or worse, and treatments you have tried. The provider will examine your child. Based on what the provider finds from the exam, and your child's symptoms, your child may need more tests:

Blood tests may be used to check how well your child's organs are working. The tests may be used to check for a disease or infection.
Ultrasound, x-ray, CT, or MRI pictures may be used to check the organs inside your child's abdomen. Healthcare providers use these pictures to look for problems such as blocked intestines. Your child may be given contrast liquid to help healthcare providers see his or her organs better. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not let your child enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if your child has any metal in or on his or her body.
A colonoscopy is a test used to look at your child's colon. A tube with a light on the end will be put into your child's anus. The tube is then moved up into his or her colon to check for any problems.
An endoscopy uses a scope to see the inside of your child's digestive tract. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light on the end. A camera may be hooked to the scope so the healthcare provider can take pictures. During an endoscopy, healthcare providers may find problems with how your child's digestive tract is working. Samples may be taken and sent to a lab for tests.
A bowel movement and urine sample may be collected and sent to a lab for tests. The test may show what is causing your child's pain.

How is acute abdominal pain treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your child's abdominal pain. Your child may need any of the following:

Medicines may be given to decrease pain, treat a bacterial infection, or manage your child's symptoms. Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage.
Surgery may be needed to treat a serious cause of abdominal pain. Examples include appendicitis or a blockage in your child's bowels.

How can I help manage my child's abdominal pain?

Take your child's temperature every 4 hours, or as directed. A fever may be a sign of a condition that needs to be treated.
Have your child rest until he or she feels better. He or she may need to take more naps during the day than usual. Do not let your child play with other children if he or she has a contagious illness, such as the flu.
Give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS), as directed. ORS is liquid that contains water, salts, and sugar to help prevent dehydration. Ask what kind of ORS to use and how much to give your child.
Ask when your older child can eat solid foods. You may be told not to feed your child solid foods for 24 hours.
Apply heat on your child's abdomen to help with pain or muscle spasms. You can apply heat with an electric heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle, or a warm compress. Heat should be applied for about 20 to 30 minutes or as long and as often as directed. Always put a cloth between your child's skin and the heat pack to prevent burns.
Keep track of your child's abdominal pain. This may help your healthcare provider learn what is causing your child's pain. Include when the pain happens and how long it lasts. Describe what your child was doing when the pain started. Also describe anything your child says about how the pain feels. Include other symptoms your child has with abdominal pain. Bring the information to your child's follow-up visits.

How can I help my child prevent acute abdominal pain?

Make changes to the foods you give to your child, if needed. Do not give foods that cause abdominal pain or other symptoms. Have your child eat small meals more often. The following changes may also help:
- Give your child more fiber if he or she is constipated. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, and legumes such as pinto beans.
- Do not give your child foods that cause gas. Examples include broccoli, cabbage, beans, and carbonated drinks.
- Do not give your child foods or drinks that contain sorbitol or fructose if he or she has diarrhea or bloating. Some examples are fruit juices, candy, jelly, and sugar-free gum.
- Do not give your child high-fat foods. Examples include fried foods, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and desserts.
Make changes to the liquids you give your child, if needed. Do not give liquids that cause pain or make it worse, such as orange juice. Have your child drink more liquids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting. Ask your child's healthcare provider how much liquid to give each day and which liquids are best for your child.
Help your child manage stress. Stress may cause abdominal pain. Your child's healthcare provider may recommend relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises to help decrease stress. The provider may recommend your child talk to someone about stress or anxiety, such as a counselor or a friend. Help your child get plenty of sleep and physical activity.

When should I seek immediate care?

Your child's bowel movement has blood in it, or looks like black tar.
Your child is bleeding from his or her rectum.
Your child cannot stop vomiting, or vomits blood.
Your child's abdomen is larger than usual, very painful, and hard.
Your child has severe pain in his or her abdomen.
Your child feels weak, dizzy, or faint.
Your child stops passing gas and having bowel movements.

When should I call my child's doctor?

Your child has a fever.
Your child has new symptoms.
Your child's symptoms do not get better with treatment.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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