Abdominal Pain in Children? When to Worry and Seek Help
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
Has your child been clutching their tummy more often lately? Are they wincing after meals, or waking up at night with discomfort? As a parent, it’s not always easy to tell whether this is just a passing bug or something that needs a doctor’s attention.
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu often see parents concerned about abdominal pain in children, and for good reason. While many cases are harmless and short-lived, some are warning signs that deserve prompt care. Knowing the difference can make all the difference to your child’s health.
Why Children Get Abdominal Pain, Everyday Upsets and Bigger Concerns
Abdominal pain in children can be caused by a wide range of issues. Some are temporary, while others may require medical review:
Indigestion or overeating Eating too quickly, having extra-large portions, or indulging in rich, greasy, or sugary foods can overwhelm a child’s digestive system, leading to bloating, discomfort, and pain.
Constipation A very common cause in toddlers, especially if their diet lacks fibre or they resist using the toilet. Constipation can cause cramping and a feeling of fullness, and children may try to hide the problem out of embarrassment.
Gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”) Usually caused by a viral infection, this brings diarrhoea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. While unpleasant, it typically resolves in a few days with rest and fluids.
Food intolerances or allergies Lactose intolerance or reactions to certain proteins can cause repeated bouts of pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. Keeping a food diary can help spot patterns.
Emotional stress Children sometimes express anxiety or worry physically, with stomach aches before school or during times of change. This is called “functional abdominal pain” and needs both reassurance and emotional support.
Infections elsewhere in the body Even a throat or urinary tract infection can cause tummy pain due to referred discomfort or overall body inflammation.
Appendicitis or surgical issues While rare, these can cause persistent, worsening pain that moves to one specific area. They require urgent assessment.
When It’s Probably Nothing Serious
It’s natural to worry, but many tummy aches are mild and pass on their own. Your child’s pain is more likely to be minor if they:
Remain cheerful, playful, and active between episodes of discomfort
Have no fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Are eating and drinking normally
Experience pain that is mild, brief, and not fixed in one spot
These signs suggest the cause is likely something temporary, such as mild constipation or a one-off meal that didn’t agree with them.
Key Signs Your Child Needs a Doctor’s Review
Seek medical attention promptly if abdominal pain in children is accompanied by:
Constant or worsening pain despite rest. This may indicate inflammation or infection that needs treatment.
Pain in a specific spot, especially the lower right sideThis could be appendicitis, which requires urgent surgery.
Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a dayThis increases the risk of dehydration.
High fever, chills, or lethargy. These may signal a more serious infection.
Blood in stools or vomit.Always needs medical review to rule out serious causes.
Distended, hard, or bloated tummy.Could indicate bowel blockage or severe constipation.
Signs of dehydration. Dry lips, sunken eyes, darker urine, or fewer wet nappies.
Sudden pain after an injury or fall. Could suggest internal injury.
These symptoms don’t always mean something dangerous, but they do require a professional assessment to be safe.
How a Tummy Diary Can Help the Doctor
If your child’s abdominal pain is mild but recurring, keeping a diary can provide valuable clues. Include:
Timing Does the pain happen before meals, after eating certain foods, or at night?
Location Is the pain central, upper, lower, or moving?
Duration How long each episode lasts.
Associated symptoms Such as changes in bowel habits, fever, or rashes.
Possible triggers Stressful events, physical activity, or specific meals.
A detailed record can speed up diagnosis and help your paediatrician make more targeted recommendations.
Comforting Your Child at Home
When abdominal pain seems mild, you can often ease your child’s discomfort with gentle home care:
Light meals Offer small portions of easy-to-digest foods like porridge, mashed potatoes, or soft noodles. Avoid greasy or overly sweet treats for a few days.
Hydration Keep them sipping water, diluted juice, or clear broths regularly to prevent dehydration.
Movement If constipation is the cause, light activity like walking or playing can help stimulate bowel movements.
Warm compress Placing a warm (not hot) water bottle on the tummy can soothe cramps.
Reassurance A calm, comforting presence can help a worried child relax and feel better.
How Joyful Seeds Paediatrics Supports Families
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu take time to listen, examine, and understand your child’s unique symptoms before deciding on the next steps. Our approach includes:
Comprehensive history-taking to understand patterns and possible triggers
Gentle examination to check for areas of tenderness or swelling
Targeted investigations such as urine analysis, stool tests, or imaging if needed
Personalised advice on nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle adjustments
Clear f
ollow-up plans so parents know when to return or seek urgent care
Our priority is giving families reassurance and answers and ensuring children feel safe and cared for every step of the way.
Trust Your Instincts as a Parent
You know your child best. If they seem “not themselves” or their pain changes suddenly, it’s always safer to have them assessed.
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, located in Bukit Timah, Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu are here to guide you through the uncertainty, provide expert care, and help your child feel like themselves again as quickly as possible.
