Stomach issues are among the most common reasons children miss school, skip activities or end up in the pediatrician’s office. While most tummy troubles are mild and short-lived, they can be distressing for both parents and kids, especially when symptoms appear suddenly or repeatedly.

What makes stomach pain particularly challenging for parents is the diverse array of root causes. Most of them aren’t serious, but some of them can be. Recognizing when to seek pediatric help and when at-home remedies are appropriate can make these situations easier to manage.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Children

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

This is one of the most common childhood illnesses. Symptoms often include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low fever
• Stomach cramps

Most cases improve in 24 to 72 hours. Dehydration is the main concern, especially with vomiting and diarrhea, but it can usually be managed safely at home without a visit to the pediatrician.

Constipation

Constipation is extremely common, especially in toddlers and school-aged children. Signs may include:

• Infrequent bowel movements
• Hard stools
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Pain during bathroom trips

Low fiber intake, dehydration and withholding during potty training can all play a role.

Food Sensitivities or Intolerances

Children may have difficulty digesting certain foods such as:

• Dairy (lactose intolerance)
• Gluten (celiac disease)
• Certain fruits, juices or processed foods

If stomach pain regularly follows meals, an intolerance may be the cause.

Gas and Bloating

Often caused by swallowed air, carbonated drinks, fiber changes or eating too quickly. Gas pain can feel sharp or crampy and may come and go throughout the day.

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Children can experience reflux too. Symptoms may include:

• Burning in the chest
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Stomach discomfort after eating

This can be triggered by certain foods, overeating, or lying down too soon after meals.

Stress and Anxiety

Children often express emotional distress physically. School pressures, transitions, social stress or family changes can lead to:

• Recurring stomachaches
• Nausea
• Appetite changes

Kids may not be able to articulate anxiety directly. Stomach pain may be their first signal.

Bacterial Infections

These are less common but can be more serious. Bacterial infections may cause prolonged diarrhea, fever or severe pain.

Children experiencing any of those symptoms need a medical evaluation to determine the cause and the best treatment.

When Stomach Pain Needs Medical Attention

While many stomach issues resolve with rest, fluids and simple home care, certain symptoms mean it is time to see a pediatrician. Seek medical evaluation if your child has:

• Persistent severe pain
• Pain that wakes them from sleep
• High fever
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Vomiting that lasts more than a day
• Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears or fewer wet diapers
• Pain located on the lower right side, which could indicate appendicitis
• Weight loss or ongoing appetite changes
• Frequent stomachaches that interfere with school or daily life

These symptoms may indicate conditions like appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or ulcers that need treatment.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Not every stomachache requires a doctor’s visit. Here are ways you can support your child during mild tummy troubles.

Keep them hydrated: Small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions or clear broths can prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary drinks or undiluted juice during active stomach illness.

Offer gentle foods: Once nausea improves, bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, plain pasta, applesauce or soup can ease digestion.

Encourage rest: Rest supports recovery. If your child has a viral stomach bug, resting also helps limit spreading germs to others.

Track symptoms: If stomach pain becomes a pattern, tracking when symptoms occur, such as after meals, at school or during stressful events, can help identify hidden triggers.

Avoid over-the-counter medications unless directed: Some medications can worsen symptoms or mask underlying conditions. It is always best to consult a pediatrician before giving stomach-related medications.

Teach Healthy Bathroom Habits

For constipation, encourage:

• Daily bathroom routine
• Fiber-rich foods
• Adequate hydration
• Regular physical activity

These simple habits can prevent many recurring issues.

Emotional Triggers

Children do not always have the vocabulary to describe stress or anxiety, so physical symptoms, especially stomach pain, can be their body’s way of communicating emotional needs. Watch for patterns such as:

• Stomachaches before school
• Pain during stressful events
• Symptoms that disappear on weekends or vacations
• Tummy pain that comes with worry, irritability or sleep issues

In these cases, reassurance, open conversations and speaking with your pediatrician can make a significant difference.

Get Expert Pediatric Care for Stomach Problems With Our Team in Sugar Land and Greenspoint

If your child is dealing with frequent stomach pain, upset stomachs, constipation or digestive concerns, St. Hope Pediatrics is here to help. Our pediatric team evaluates stomach issues with care, compassion and a family-centered approach, giving you the answers and support you need to help your child feel like themselves again.

Schedule an appointment with St. Hope Pediatrics today by calling (713) 778-1300.