There is no medicine in the world stronger than a mother’s or father’s hand on a hurting stomach, but so that your own heart can also be at ease, it is worth becoming familiar with the special language in which little children’s stomachs speak to us.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in childhood, and in recent years more and more children and teenagers are even being sent from educational institutions to emergency rooms because of this symptom.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, abdominal pain is the leading reason for emergency room visits among children aged 5 and older, with 24,665 visits among ages 5–17 in the past year – (2025). However, only a very small percentage of these children are ultimately hospitalized – a figure that illustrates how important it is to recognize the types of pain, understand when it is possible to monitor at home, and when it is necessary to seek medical examination.
To understand what is behind the complaint, it is important to distinguish between three main types:
Acute pain – Appears suddenly and is sometimes accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. The most common cause is intestinal infections (gastroenteritis), but constipation can also cause sharp and significant pain. In rarer cases, these are emergency conditions such as appendicitis or intestinal obstruction, which require immediate examination.
Chronic pain of organic origin – A less common condition, accounting for about 5%–10% of cases, in which a clear disease can be identified such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcers, or gynecological problems during adolescence.
Functional abdominal pain – The largest group. Here, all tests may be completely normal, yet the child still experiences real and significant pain. Studies indicate that about 10%–15% of school-age children suffer from chronic abdominal pain, and in about 9%–12% of them it involves functional pain disorders according to the Rome IV criteria. The phenomenon is more common among girls and among children exposed to stress and emotional pressure, illustrating the close connection between the brain and the digestive system.
When To See A Doctor Immediately?
- Sharp and focused pain that does not pass
- Repeated vomiting or green vomiting
- High fever
- Blood in the stool
- Pain that wakes the child from sleep
- Significant weight loss
What Can Be Done At Home?
When dangerous conditions have been ruled out, it is sometimes possible to relieve the symptoms with simple measures:
- Maintaining a diet rich in fiber – Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Adequate drinking, especially for children suffering from constipation
- Maintaining a calm and supportive routine, since stress and anxiety may worsen functional pain
- Breathing exercises, light physical activity, and sufficient sleep
In certain cases, and according to personal medical advice, it is also possible to consider dietary adjustments or the use of designated supplements that support digestive system activity. For example, there are dietary supplements containing dietary fiber alongside plant-based components that support the proper functioning of the digestive system.
The Message To Parents: Listen – But Also Know How To Reassure
Abdominal pain in children is a very common phenomenon, and in most cases it is not dangerous and even passes on its own. However, it is important to take the child’s complaint seriously, pay attention to warning signs, and seek a doctor’s examination when the pain is strong, prolonged, or accompanied by additional symptoms.
Correct diagnosis, alongside calm and consistent parental support, can in many cases break the cycle of pain – and return the child and the entire household to routine.