May also be called: Abdominal Pain; Stomachache; Bellyache
Almost all kids get belly pain from time to time. While a stomachache can be a symptom of many conditions, most do not have a serious cause.
Belly pain can be caused by:
Sometimes belly pain goes away on its own. Treatment, if needed, depends on the cause. Kids should not take laxatives, antacids, or other medicines unless these are recommended by a doctor.
Talk to your doctor to discuss your child’s pain and any other symptoms.
While many cases of belly pain are minor, some can have a more serious cause, like appendicitis. So always call your doctor if the pain is very strong, accompanied by repeated vomiting, or the discomfort gets worse over time or doesn't go away.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts