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Pain in the abdomen (abdominal pain) can be caused by many things. The causes may also change as your child gets older. In most cases, the pain gets better with no treatment or by being treated at home. But in some cases, it can be serious.

Your child's health care provider will ask questions about your child's medical history and do a physical exam to try to figure out what is causing the pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

1. Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by the provider.
2. Do not give your child medicines that help them poop (laxatives) unless told by the provider.

General instructions

1. Watch your child's condition for any changes.
2. Give your child enough fluid to keep their pee (urine) pale yellow.

Contact a health care provider if:

1. Your child's pain changes, gets worse, or lasts longer than expected.
2. Your child has very bad cramping or bloating in their abdomen.
3. Your child's pain gets worse with meals, after eating, or with certain foods.
4. Your child is constipated or has diarrhea for more than 2–3 days.
5. Your child is not hungry, loses weight without trying, or vomits.
6. Your child's pain wakes them up at night.
7. Your child has pain when they pee (urinate) or poop.

Get help right away if:

1. Your child, who is 3 months to 3 years old, has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
2. Your child, who is younger than 3 months, has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
3. Your child cannot stop vomiting.

Your child's pain is only in one part of the abdomen. Pain on the right side could be caused by appendicitis.

Your child has bloody or black poop (stool), poop that looks like tar, or blood in their pee.

You see signs of dehydration in your child who is younger than 1 year old. These may include:

1. A sunken soft spot on their head.
2. No wet diapers in 6 hours.
3. Acting fussier or sleepier.
4. Cracked lips or dry mouth.
5. Sunken eyes or not making tears while crying.

You notice signs of dehydration in your child who is older than 1 year old. These may include:

1. No pee in 8–12 hours.
2. Cracked lips or dry mouth.
3. Sunken eyes or not making tears while crying.
4. Seeming sleepier or weaker.

Your child has trouble breathing.

 Your child has chest pain.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get help right away.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.