Tummy Trouble in Children: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know

It’s understandably worrying to have a sick child, especially when the cause remains a mystery. Oftentimes, such symptoms and conditions involve the stomach.

One study showed that one in six parents report that their little one experienced belly discomfort at least once a month. While many causes are mild and temporary, others require prompt medical treatment.

Our expert team at Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics in Irving, Coppell, and Dallas, Texas, provides pediatric and acute care for kids of all ages.

As you navigate parenthood, keep these important facts about tummy trouble in mind:

1. A range of issues fuel stomach problems

A broad range of factors cause stomach symptoms in kids. Some of the most common causes include:

• Anxiety or stress
• Appendicitis, especially from ages 10-18
• Constipation
• Eating quickly 
• Gassiness or indigestion
• Lactose intolerance
• Overeating
• Food allergies
• Stomach viruses

Less common causes of an upset stomach or belly pain in kids include kidney stones, pancreatitis, sickle cell disease, and swallowing an object.

2. Stomach pain location matters

While most common tummy trouble causes aren’t urgent, acute appendicitis is a medical emergency. If your child’s abdominal pain falls on the lower right side, it may indicate an inflamed or burst appendix.

Stomach pain behind the belly button often stems from something digestive, such as eating a particular food. Middle-abdominal pain may derive  from anxiety or stress. Upper-abdominal pain may be a sign of indigestion.

Although it’s rare, pancreatitis can cause pain on the left side of a child’s tummy. More often, constipation fuels pain in that area.

3. OTC medication may be appropriate

Depending on the cause, your child’s tummy trouble may improve by taking an over-the-counter medication. For symptoms related to stress, a flu bug, or indigestion, helpful options might include:

• Ibuprofen, for pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen, for pain
• Stool softeners, for constipation
• Antacids, for indigestion

If you’re unsure what medication may help your child, check with your doctor. Keep in mind that OTC medications typically only treat symptoms, not underlying causes.

4. Lifestyle changes may help

If your child is prone to tummy troubles due to lifestyle factors, like poor eating habits or unmanaged stress, improving their habits can go a long way. Our team can recommend specific steps, which may include:

• Avoiding foods that trigger flare-ups
• Eating balanced, healthy meals as a family
• Encouraging enjoyable physical activity
• Improving sleep habits
• Attending individual or family therapy 
• Breathing or mindfulness exercises

Fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, berries, beans, and sweet potatoes, help prevent chronic constipation. So does getting enough fluids. Particularly hydrating options include water, herbal tea, low-fat milk, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. Professional support is valuable

If your child’s tummy symptoms are recurrent, persistent, or moderate-to-severe, come into our office sooner rather than later. Additional signs that call for immediate care include bloody stool, unexplained weight loss, yellowish skin (jaundice), and painful urination.

Whether your child’s abdominal issues are mild or derived from something more serious, our board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Raghu Turebylu, is here to help.

To get personalized support, call Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics, or request an appointment on our website. We offer same-day family medicine and pediatric appointments.