By Sarah Lyons

Tummy troubles are common in young children and typically aren’t serious. Stomach aches can be anything from constipation to stomach flu to an excuse to get out of school. The tricky part is figuring out if the stomach pain warrants a trip to the doctor and if it is something serious or a passing thing. Here are some common childhood tummy troubles and what to do about them.

Constipation. It’s common for kids to have occasional constipation. This is usually something that can be improved by a higher fiber diet or by using over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives. Decreasing foods that cause constipation like bananas, milk, and cheese can also be helpful. (mayoclinic.org) Physical activity can also encourage the need to use the bathroom. If your child has chronic constipation that is not improving, speak to your doctor for more suggestions or ask for  a referral to a gastrointestinal physician.

Stomach flu. The stomach flu is an unavoidable part of childhood. Even with all the hand sanitizer in the world, your child is bound to catch it at some point. While a GI bug is miserable for both the parents and the child, it doesn’t usually warrant a trip to the doctor. During the virus it’s normal to have a fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The most important thing to remember during a stomach bug is to keep your child hydrated. Children, especially babies and toddlers are more likely to get dehydrated during the stomach flu which can be dangerous. If your child cannot eat during the flu, make sure they are drinking small sips of clear liquids as much as possible. If the bug persists longer than a few days and you feel your child is becoming dehydrated, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Gas. A common cause of stomach pain in children comes from trapped gas. Gas pain can be painful and make your child uncomfortable. If your child has frequent pain from gas, try changing their diet slightly. For example, many people with frequent gas are lactose intolerant. Reducing the intake of dairy products or trying lactose-free alternatives can help your child develop less gas-related stomach pain. 

Acid reflux. Acid reflux, or heartburn, can be painful and persistent. If your child complains of a burning feeling in their upper abdomen or has a vomit taste in their mouth, they may be experiencing acid reflux. Try an over-the-counter antacid, a glass of milk, or prop up their pillow at night. You can also watch the foods they eat before bedtime. Acidic foods like tomato sauce, sugary, sweet foods, spicy foods, and chocolate can all be triggers for heartburn. If none of these ideas help, consult your doctor who can prescribe medication for acid reflux and make sure nothing more serious is going on. 

For the most part, childhood stomach pains are not anything to be concerned about. However, if your child has symptoms that persist over time, has unexplained weight loss, has blood in their vomit or stool, or doesn’t seem to be improving, there is nothing wrong with reaching out to your family doctor for advice on what the next steps should be. 

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including 10-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.