Abdominal Pain in Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Watch the child closely. If the pain is worse after 1 hour, call the doctor.
• Have the child rest in bed until he or she feels better.
• Take the child's temperature every 4 hours.
• Do not give any medication without first asking your doctor.
• Give clear fluids if the child can take them. Avoid giving solid food for 24 hours.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The pain has lasted more than 1 hour.
• Your child has a high temperature.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The pain increases or is only in one specific area.
• The child begins to vomit blood or you find blood in the stool.
• The child is walking bent-over or holding the abdomen, or refuses to walk.
• The pain is in the testicle or scrotum.
• The abdomen becomes swollen or tender to the touch.
• The child has difficulty passing urine.
• The child is short of breath.