Abdominal Pain in Children

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons children are brought to see a doctor. Most episodes are caused by minor illnesses such as viral infections, constipation or trapped wind and will settle without any specific treatment. However, persistent, severe or recurring abdominal pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition that requires further investigation.

Our experienced paediatric surgeons specialise in assessing abdominal pain in babies, children and teenagers. We understand that it can be worrying when your child is in pain, particularly if the cause is unclear. Our aim is to identify the underlying problem, explain the diagnosis clearly and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child.

What are the symptoms?

Abdominal pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and may occur anywhere in the tummy. Depending on the underlying cause, your child may also experience:

  • Pain that comes and goes or is constant
  • Pain that is worse after eating or moving
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Bloating or abdominal swelling
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Blood in the stool (rare)

Some children find it difficult to describe exactly where the pain is, particularly younger children, so changes in behaviour, irritability or reduced activity can also be important signs.

When should I seek medical advice?

Many cases of abdominal pain improve within a day or two, but your child should be assessed by a healthcare professional if the pain is severe, persistent or keeps returning.

You should seek urgent medical attention if your child has:

  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain
  • Pain that is getting progressively worse
  • Pain mainly in the lower right side of the abdomen
  • Persistent vomiting, especially if green (bile-stained)
  • A swollen or hard abdomen
  • High fever with severe pain
  • Blood in their vomit or stools
  • Difficulty walking because of the pain
  • Extreme drowsiness or appearing very unwell

These symptoms may indicate conditions that require urgent assessment or surgery, such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction.

How is abdominal pain diagnosed?

Your consultation will begin with a detailed discussion about your child's symptoms, medical history and general health. The consultant will then perform a careful examination of your child's abdomen.

Depending on the findings, further investigations may be recommended, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Stool tests
  • Ultrasound scan
  • X-rays (where appropriate)
  • Additional imaging or specialist investigations if required

Many children do not require extensive investigations, but these tests can help identify conditions that may need medical or surgical treatment.

What treatment is available?

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of your child's abdominal pain.

Many children improve with simple measures such as:

  • Rest
  • Good hydration
  • Treatment for constipation
  • Dietary advice
  • Pain relief where appropriate

If a surgical condition is identified, your consultant will discuss the recommended treatment in detail. Conditions such as appendicitis, inguinal hernias or other abdominal problems may require surgery, while many other causes can be managed without an operation.

Every treatment plan is tailored to your child's individual needs, and we will ensure you fully understand the diagnosis and available options before any decisions are made.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the cause of the abdominal pain and any treatment that is required. Most children with common illnesses recover within a few days, while those undergoing surgery generally return to normal activities after an appropriate recovery period, depending on the procedure performed.

Your consultant will provide personalised advice on recovery, pain management, returning to school and any follow-up appointments your child may need.