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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Stomach Pain in Children

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons parents bring their child to an urgent care clinic. In most cases it is mild and temporary — but knowing what to look for at each age, and when to seek care, gives parents the confidence to respond appropriately.

What is Abdominal Pain in Children?

Abdominal pain in children refers to any discomfort felt between the chest and pelvis. It is among the most frequent complaints in pediatric medicine, accounting for nearly 1 in 10 of all childhood primary care visits. The causes vary significantly depending on the child’s age — what is common in a newborn is different from what affects a toddler, school-age child, or teenager.

Because young children — especially infants and toddlers — cannot describe where or how they hurt, parents play a critical role in recognizing that their child is in pain and describing what they observe. Changes in behavior, posture, feeding, and crying patterns are often the first and only signs available.

Most abdominal pain in children is caused by benign, self-limiting conditions such as gas, constipation, or a viral stomach illness. However, some causes require prompt evaluation. Age is one of the most important factors in determining what is likely going on.

How to Tell if Your Child Has Abdominal Pain

Older children can point to where it hurts and describe how it feels. Younger children and infants cannot. Signs that an infant or toddler may be experiencing abdominal pain include:

Prolonged, inconsolable crying — especially if high-pitched or intermittent
Drawing the knees up to the chest repeatedly
Arching the back
Refusing to feed or eat
A visibly swollen or hard abdomen
Unusual stillness or limpness
Facial grimacing or wincing when the belly is touched
Vomiting or significant change in bowel habits

Causes of Abdominal Pain by Age Group

Age is the single most useful guide to the likely cause of a child’s abdominal pain. The same symptom can have very different causes depending on how old the child is.

Infants (0–12 months)

Colic — Prolonged, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy infant, typically peaking between 2–6 weeks and resolving by 3–4 months. Often worse in the evening. The exact cause is not fully understood but is thought to involve gas, gut motility, and overstimulation. Cuddling, rocking, and gentle abdominal massage may provide some relief.

Gas and trapped wind — Very common in infants due to immature digestive systems and air swallowing during feeding. Frequent burping during and after feeds helps reduce discomfort.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) — Stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus, causing discomfort, arching after feeds, and spitting up. Common in infants and usually improves as the digestive system matures.

Constipation — Infrequent or hard stools that cause straining and crying. Formula-fed infants are more prone than breastfed infants.

Intussusception — A serious condition in which one segment of the intestine slides into another, causing a blockage. Most common between 3 months and 3 years. Presents with sudden, severe, intermittent crying where the infant draws the knees to the chest, followed by periods of appearing well. May also cause vomiting and stools that look like “currant jelly.” This is a medical emergency — seek immediate care.

Hirschsprung’s disease — A rare congenital condition affecting bowel function, presenting as difficulty passing stool in the newborn period.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) — Viral infection of the stomach and intestines causing vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and fever. The most common cause of abdominal pain in this age group. Can lead to dehydration quickly in young children.

Constipation — Very common in toddlers, especially during toilet training. Can cause significant abdominal cramping and discomfort.

Intussusception — Still a risk in early toddler years. Any child with episodes of sudden, severe, intermittent abdominal pain with the above features should be evaluated urgently.

Hernia — An inguinal (groin) hernia can cause localized pain in the lower abdomen or groin. More common in boys. A visible or palpable bulge may be present.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) — Young children, particularly girls, can develop UTIs causing lower abdominal pain, fever, and irritability — often without the classic urinary symptoms older children describe.

School-Age Children (4–12 years)

Constipation — Remains one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in school-age children. Functional constipation — related to diet, toileting habits, or withholding — is very frequently seen.

Gastroenteritis — Viral stomach illness causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. Spreads easily in school settings.

Functional abdominal pain — Recurrent abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause, affecting approximately 1 in 8 school-age children. Often related to stress, anxiety, and the gut-brain connection. Does not mean the pain is imaginary — it is real but not caused by disease.

Appendicitis — While it can occur at any age, appendicitis peaks during the school-age and teen years. It typically begins as vague pain around the navel that migrates to the lower right abdomen over hours. Accompanied by fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. Requires urgent surgical evaluation — if suspected, come in immediately.

Urinary tract infection — More common in girls. Causes lower abdominal or pelvic pain, frequent and painful urination, and sometimes fever.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis — Swelling of lymph nodes in the abdomen, usually following a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Causes right-sided abdominal pain that can closely mimic appendicitis. Typically self-limiting.

Strep throat — Streptococcal infections can present with significant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting alongside sore throat and fever — particularly in younger school-age children.

Teenagers (13–18 years)

Appendicitis — Peak incidence is during adolescence. Presentation is similar to that in school-age children but may be more classic — right lower quadrant pain with fever and nausea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — A functional gut disorder causing recurrent cramping, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. Often triggered by stress, diet, and hormonal changes. More common in teen girls.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis typically emerge in adolescence or young adulthood. Characterized by chronic, recurring abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Requires specialist evaluation.

Urinary tract infection — Common in teenage girls, particularly those who are sexually active.

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) — Cramping lower abdominal pain associated with menstruation is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in teenage girls. Usually begins within the first few years after the onset of periods.

Ovarian cyst — Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries can cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain, sometimes acutely if they rupture. Requires evaluation to rule out ovarian torsion.

Ovarian torsion — A surgical emergency in which the ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply. Causes sudden, severe, one-sided pelvic pain often with nausea and vomiting. Requires immediate emergency care.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — Bacterial infection of the reproductive organs in sexually active teenage girls. Causes lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, fever, and pain with intercourse. Treated with antibiotics.

Pregnancy-related pain — In sexually active teenage girls, abdominal pain with a missed period must raise the possibility of pregnancy, including ectopic pregnancy — a medical emergency.

Symptoms to Watch For at Any Age

Regardless of age, the following symptoms alongside abdominal pain are important signals that a child needs to be evaluated:

Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
Vomiting that is persistent or contains bile (green color)
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, or diarrhea with blood
Signs of dehydration — dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, decreased urination, extreme thirst
Pain that wakes the child from sleep
Pain that is progressively worsening over hours
A visibly swollen, rigid, or tender abdomen
Significant weight loss or poor growth
Blood in stool or urine

Treatment of Abdominal Pain in Children

Treatment is always guided by the underlying cause. For mild, self-limiting conditions, home care is often appropriate. For anything beyond mild and brief, a provider evaluation is the right step.

Home care for mild symptoms:

Encourage rest and adequate fluid intake — water, diluted juice, or oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte) for vomiting and diarrhea
For constipation: increase water, fruits, vegetables, and fiber; reduce dairy if appropriate
Gentle warmth such as a warm compress on the abdomen can ease cramping
Avoid solid food temporarily if nausea or vomiting is present — reintroduce slowly
Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers — it is associated with a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age and weight appropriate dosing) for pain and fever — ask your provider if unsure

Clinical treatment for identified causes:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections including UTIs and strep
IV fluids for dehydration — available on-site at Vitality Urgent Care
Anti-nausea medications for significant vomiting
Laxatives or stool softeners for functional constipation
Referral or emergency transfer for surgical conditions such as appendicitis, intussusception, or ovarian torsion

How Long Does Abdominal Pain Last in Children?

Most viral gastroenteritis resolves within 3–5 days. Constipation-related pain improves with treatment within 1–3 days. Functional abdominal pain is recurrent by nature and is managed rather than cured quickly.

Any abdominal pain that has not improved within 24 hours, or that is worsening rather than improving, warrants a provider evaluation regardless of the suspected cause.

Complications of Untreated Abdominal Pain in Children

Appendicitis that ruptures leads to peritonitis — a life-threatening abdominal infection
Untreated intussusception causes bowel necrosis and perforation
Dehydration from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea can become severe, particularly in infants and toddlers
Missed UTIs can progress to kidney infections
Delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease can affect a child’s growth and development
Untreated ovarian torsion results in loss of the ovary

How to Help Prevent Abdominal Pain in Children

Ensure adequate daily fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation
Establish regular, unhurried bathroom routines — especially in school-age children
Encourage thorough handwashing before meals and after the bathroom to reduce gastroenteritis risk
Keep up to date with vaccinations — rotavirus vaccine significantly reduces severe viral gastroenteritis in infants
Address stress and anxiety early in school-age children — the gut-brain connection is strong in kids
For infants: burp frequently during feeds, consider smaller and more frequent feedings if reflux is a concern

How We Evaluate Abdominal Pain in Children at Vitality Urgent Care

Evaluating abdominal pain in children requires a different approach than in adults — particularly in younger children who cannot clearly describe their symptoms or cooperate fully with an examination. Our pediatric urgent care team is experienced in working with children of all ages and adapts the evaluation accordingly.

We begin by talking with the parent or caregiver in detail. For infants and toddlers we rely heavily on the caregiver’s observations — when the crying or discomfort started, whether it is constant or comes in waves, how the child is feeding, and any changes in stool or urine. For older children, we involve the child directly in describing their pain — where it is, what it feels like, and what makes it better or worse.

The physical examination is performed in a calm, gentle, and child-friendly manner. We assess the abdomen for tenderness, rigidity, distension, and organ enlargement. We look for signs of dehydration, check vital signs including temperature, and assess the child’s overall appearance — a child who is alert and interactive is reassuring, while a child who is unusually still, pale, or lethargic prompts a more urgent workup.

On-site laboratory testing is available and used when clinically indicated — urinalysis, and other tests help identify infections, inflammation, and metabolic causes. For teenage girls with lower abdominal pain, pregnancy testing is a standard part of the evaluation.

If our assessment raises concern for a condition requiring imaging or surgical evaluation — such as appendicitis, intussusception, or ovarian torsion — we will communicate this clearly to the parent and arrange appropriate and prompt transfer to the emergency department. We never send a family home with unresolved concern.

When Should You Bring Your Child to Vitality Urgent Care?

Bring your child in if they have:

Abdominal pain that has lasted more than a few hours without improvement
Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Signs of dehydration — no tears, dry mouth, decreased urination
Painful or frequent urination suggesting a UTI
Pain that is waking your child from sleep
Persistent vomiting without improvement after 12 hours
An infant under 3 months with any abdominal symptoms — always bring them in
Pain you are unsure about — trust your instincts as a parent

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if your child has:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain — especially with a rigid or board-like abdomen
Vomiting that is green or bile-colored — may indicate a bowel obstruction
Bloody stools or stools that look like currant jelly — possible intussusception
Symptoms of shock — pale or mottled skin, rapid breathing, extreme lethargy, or unresponsiveness
An infant under 3 months with fever above 100.4°F
Suspected appendicitis — worsening right lower abdominal pain with fever and loss of appetite
Suspected ectopic pregnancy in a sexually active teenage girl with lower abdominal pain

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my baby’s abdominal pain is serious? Watch for high-pitched or inconsolable crying, drawing the knees to the chest, a swollen or rigid abdomen, green vomiting, bloody or jelly-like stools, or unusual stillness. Any of these signs in an infant warrant immediate care.

What is the most common cause of stomach pain in children? In infants, gas and colic are most common. In toddlers and school-age children, constipation and viral gastroenteritis are the leading causes. In teenagers, appendicitis, menstrual cramps, and IBS are frequently seen.

Can constipation cause serious pain in children? Yes. Significant constipation can cause cramping severe enough to mimic more serious conditions. It is one of the most frequently underestimated causes of abdominal pain in children and is very common across all pediatric age groups.

How do I know if my child has appendicitis? Appendicitis typically starts as a vague pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen over several hours, accompanied by fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. The pain usually worsens with movement. If you suspect appendicitis, come in immediately — do not wait to see if it improves.

Can stress cause stomach pain in children? Yes. Functional abdominal pain related to stress and anxiety is very common in school-age children and teenagers. The gut-brain connection is particularly strong in children, and emotional stress can produce real, significant physical pain without any underlying disease.

When should I worry about my toddler’s stomach pain? If the pain is severe, intermittent, and causes your toddler to draw their knees to the chest and cry inconsolably — or if it is accompanied by vomiting, bloody stool, fever, or signs of dehydration — seek care promptly. Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, come in.

Can a child have a UTI without urinary symptoms? Yes — especially in younger children and toddlers. UTIs in young children often present with abdominal pain, fever, and irritability without the classic burning or urgency that older children and adults describe. Urinalysis is a quick and reliable way to check.

Is it safe to give my child pain medication for stomach pain? Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen at age and weight appropriate doses can be used to manage discomfort. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers. Avoid ibuprofen if your child is vomiting significantly or dehydrated. When in doubt about dosing or appropriateness, ask our providers.

Your Child Is Uncomfortable. We’re Here to Help.

Walk in any day of the year — no appointment needed. Our pediatric urgent care team at Buffalo Grove and Lake Zurich is experienced in evaluating and treating abdominal pain in children of all ages — from newborns to teenagers.

Medically reviewed by the clinical team at Vitality Urgent Care. Last reviewed April 2026.