Suddenly, your child is holding their stomach, doesn't want to play anymore, or keeps saying, "My tummy hurts." For parents, it can often be difficult to determine whether it's just a harmless digestive issue or if the stomach pain needs medical attention.

To reassure you: Stomach pain is one of the most common complaints in childhood and is often harmless. However, there are some warning signs that mean your child should be examined soon.

What causes stomach pain in children?

Stomach pain can have many different causes. Often, there is nothing serious behind it.

Typical triggers include:

  • Constipation
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Gas
  • Unfamiliar or very large meals
  • Stress or emotional strain
  • Beginning viral infections

Sometimes, stomach pain also occurs with fever, cough, or sore throat and is part of a general infection.

What is often still normal?

Many children occasionally have stomach pain without being seriously ill.

For example, your child might:

  • Complain of an undefined pressure in the stomach
  • Feel better after using the bathroom
  • Play normally in between
  • Have a temporarily reduced appetite
  • Develop stomach pain due to excitement or stress

Especially in kindergarten and preschool age, stomach pain can also be related to emotional stress.

How can you recognize more harmless stomach pain?

An uncomplicated course is often indicated if your child:

  • Plays again between complaints,
  • Drinks enough,
  • Does not have severe pain,
  • Breathes normally,
  • And the condition improves within a few hours or days.

The overall picture is always crucial—not just the intensity of the pain at a single moment.

When should you take your child to the doctor?

A pediatric examination is advisable if:

  • The pain is very severe or started suddenly,
  • Your child doesn't allow their stomach to be touched,
  • The pain is getting worse,
  • Fever occurs,
  • Repeated vomiting happens,
  • There is blood in the stool or vomit,
  • Your child drinks very little,
  • They seem unusually weak or apathetic,
  • The stomach pain lasts for several days,
  • Or your child repeatedly complains of stomach pain.

Especially severe pain in the lower right abdomen should be examined promptly, as it could indicate appendicitis.

When should you seek immediate medical help?

Call emergency services or go to an emergency room immediately if your child:

  • Suddenly develops severe stomach pain,

  • Has a hard, tense stomach,

  • Appears pale or is barely responsive,

  • Vomits blood,

  • Greenish vomit,

  • or severe pain after an accident occurs.

These symptoms should be assessed by a doctor immediately.

What can you do at home?

If your child seems otherwise well and shows no warning signs, simple measures often help.

For example:

  • Offer small amounts to drink regularly
  • Allow for rest
  • Offer light, easily digestible food if your child wants to eat
  • Observe if bowel movements or passing gas bring relief
  • Monitor the situation

Do not give pain medication without consulting a doctor if the cause of the stomach pain is unclear. They can obscure important clues needed for a medical examination.

Stomach pain due to constipation

One of the most common causes of recurring stomach pain in children is constipation.

Signs can include:

  • Infrequent or hard stools,
  • Pain during bowel movements,
  • Straining on the toilet,
  • Or stool marks in underwear.

If your child is frequently affected, it is worth consulting a pediatrician.

Can worries also cause stomach pain?

Yes. Children often express stress physically.

Stomach pain can occur in connection with:

  • Daycare or kindergarten,
  • Family changes,
  • Conflicts,
  • New situations,
  • Or excitement.

Even then, the pain is real for your child and should be taken seriously.

Remember this

Most stomach pains in children are harmless and improve within a short time. What matters is the severity of the symptoms, whether additional symptoms occur, and how your child behaves overall. If they are drinking enough, playing in between, and the pain seems temporary, it likely indicates an uncomplicated course. If warning signs appear or the symptoms worsen, your child should be examined by a pediatrician.