When Abdominal Pain Keeps Coming Back in Children
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
When Tummy Pain Interrupts Your Child’s Day
It starts with a small complaint : “my tummy hurts.” At first, you might think it is something they ate or just a passing feeling. But when the pain doesn’t go away, or your child becomes restless, tearful or refuses food, it is easy to feel uncertain. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we are here to guide you with reassurance and thoughtful care, helping you understand what your child is feeling and what they need next.
Tummy aches are common in children, and they are often not serious. Still, every child is different, and sometimes a small symptom can feel like a big question mark. Our role is to help you feel heard, supported and well-informed.
What Is Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain refers to discomfort anywhere between the chest and lower pelvis. In children, this can be due to:
Indigestion, constipation or wind
Viral illnesses
Food sensitivities or overeating
Anxiety or stress
Urinary tract infections
In rarer cases, appendicitis or other medical conditions
Pain may come and go, or it may feel more constant. It might be sharp, dull, or difficult to describe. We take the time to understand the full picture before offering advice or care.
What You Might Notice
Children express discomfort in many different ways. Here are some signs that may suggest your child is experiencing abdominal pain:
Words and Gestures
Your child may hold or press on their stomach, point to where it hurts or curl up while resting. Some children may quietly say their tummy feels “tight” or “funny,” while others may cry or become more vocal.
Changes in Behaviour
Abdominal pain often leads to a change in appetite or activity. Your child may eat less, refuse meals or stop playing. Some become clingy, tired or more sensitive than usual.
Additional Symptoms
Look for signs like bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or fever. If the pain becomes severe, stays in one spot, or is linked with ongoing vomiting or fever, a medical review is recommended.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we provide calm and reassuring care that meets your child where they are. We begin by listening closely, to both your child and to your observations as a parent.
Your child’s care may include:
A careful history of their eating habits, bowel patterns and recent changes
A physical examination to check for tenderness, bloating or other signs
Urine or stool tests, if needed, to rule out infections
Child-appropriate treatment for pain or digestion issues
Clear advice on diet, hydration and home support
Referrals or follow-up plans when further care is required
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu work with families in a collaborative, thoughtful way. Their care is rooted in understanding your child as a whole person, not just their symptoms.
Supporting Parents Through the Uncertainty
We know how stressful it can feel when your child is in discomfort and you don’t yet have answers. That is why we focus not only on the medical care, but also on helping you feel more confident and calm. We explain what we are seeing, what to monitor, and how to respond if things change.
In some cases, abdominal pain can be linked to worry or emotional changes, especially in school-age children. We take time to explore these possibilities and support your child’s wellbeing in a complete and thoughtful way.
Let Us Help You Understand What Your Child’s Tummy Is Saying
If your child’s abdominal pain is persisting, affecting their daily routines or simply leaving you with questions, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we offer steady, experienced care that supports both the child and the parent. You do not have to navigate this alone. We are here to help you find clarity, comfort and peace of mind.
