Abdominal (tummy) pain in children

This is for anyone looking after a child with abdominal (tummy) pain.

Tummy pain in children is common. Most children do not need specific treatment and the pain gets better by itself.

What causes tummy pain?

Common causes include constipation, a bladder infection (urinary tract infection) and tummy bugs (gastroenteritis). 

Occasionally tummy pain is caused by something more serious, such as appendicitis.

In many children with longstanding tummy pain, a cause is never found, and the pain goes away by itself.

Can I care for my child at home?

You can look after your child at home if they:

• are alert and interacting with you
• develop diarrhoea and vomiting but have no signs of dehydration
• experience period (menstrual) pains
• are frequently constipated.

What can I do to look after them at home?

• Give paracetamol (for example Calpol) or ibuprofen (for example Nurofen). Always read the instructions on the medication packaging and give the correct dose for your child’s age group.
• Keep your child well hydrated. Encourage them to drink lots of fluids.
• Avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juices.
• Offer your child bland foods. For example a piece of banana or plain toast.
• Let them lie down and relax.
• Encourage them to go to the toilet to do a poo or pass some wind.

When to get help

Call 999 or go to the nearest Emergency Department (A&E) if you notice that your child:

• has a temperature which is not responding to paracetamol/ibuprofen. Always read the instructions on the medication packaging and give the correct dose for your child’s age group.
• becomes pale and floppy
• develops cold hands and feet
• becomes drowsy or difficult to wake
• has green or blood-stained sick (vomit)
• develops severe pain despite pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. This is especially relevant if the pain is on the right-hand side of the lower tummy
• has pain in the testicles (especially in teenage boys).

Make a GP appointment or call 111 if your child:

• is under 3 months of age and has a temperature above 38 degrees C, or feels hot to touch
• is 3 to 6 months of age and has a temperature above 39 degrees C, or feels hot to touch
• has other signs of illness, such as a rash, and a high temperature
• has a high temperature that has lasted for more than 5 days
• develops a swollen tummy
• has blood in their poo or wee
• experiences constant pain for more than one day, despite taking pain killers
• becomes more and more thirsty or is weeing noticeably more or less than normal
• develops yellow skin or eyes
• has weight loss or poor growth over a few months
• is causing you concern.

What if my child keeps having tummy pain?

• Ask your GP to assess your child if they have tummy pain more than once a week over a period of months. Sometimes children may need a urine or blood test to help rule out certain conditions. 
• Tummy scans (ultrasound) are not often used as they do not usually tell doctors what is causing tummy pain. In some cases your GP may refer your child to a Paediatric Clinic for further assessment. Your GP will discuss this with you.

More information

NHS information on tummy ache www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/

Contacts

Your GP or local pharmacy
Paediatrics Admin Team, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm	020 8934 6403 khft@paediatricadmin@nhs.net