Abdominal pain (pain in the stomach area) can happen for many reasons. At this time we cannot determine if your child’s pain is caused by a more serious illness. It is very important that you watch your child closely for the next 24 hours.
Go Back to Your Child’s Doctor or the Emergency Department if Your Child Has:
Severe pain lasting more than one hour.
Vomiting blood or dark green fluid; constant vomiting and child cannot drink liquids.
Heavy or labored breathing
Pain or burning when urinating; or blood in the urine or stools. If he urinates less often or makes less urine than normal.
Pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right part of the belly.
Constant pain, even if it’s not severe, or pain that gets worse with activity.
Swollen abdomen or severe pain when the abdomen is touched.
Pain in the groin or testicles.
Pain along with vaginal discharge.
Constant high fever.
New symptoms or symptoms that get worse.
Your child may have his or her usual foods. Encourage the child to rest and drink plenty of liquids.
Infant younger than 6 months – You may give these clear liquids: Infant Pedialyte®, breast milk or formula, or juice.
Child older than 6 months – Give clear liquids. This includes water, plain fruit popsicles, Gatorade®, flavored gelatin and clear fruit drinks.
Your child should NOT HAVE SOLID FOODS for the next 8 hours. Solid foods include soups, ice cream, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, etc. Reason: if more tests or surgery are needed, it is best to have nothing in the stomach.
Abdominal Pain: Outpatient (PDF)
HH-I-316 10/09 Reviewed 2/16 Copyright 2009, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
