Why does my child’s stomach hurt? 5 common causes of stomach pain in kids

“My stomach hurts.” It’s one of the most common complaints from school-aged children and young teens. Occasional stomach pain in kids is normal, but when it happens often, it’s important to know the most common causes—and when to call your pediatrician.

Constipation

Even if your child is going to the bathroom regularly, they may still be constipated if their stools are hard, infrequent, or difficult to pass. Children who are toilet-training, adjusting to a new routine, or holding in their bowel movements can become constipated.

What to look for: Fewer than three bowel movements per week, abdominal bloating, straining, or complaints of pain before or after using the bathroom.

Food sensitivities

Common culprits include dairy, gluten, artificial additives, and even overly greasy or sugary snacks. These sensitivities can lead to gas, cramping, or bloating after eating.

What to look for: Patterns between certain foods and symptoms, like tummy aches, diarrhea, or skin changes after meals.

Infections or stomach viruses

Viruses and bacterial infections can wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Stomach bugs often come on suddenly and resolve on their own, but it’s important to monitor your child’s hydration and overall comfort.

What to look for: Sudden onset of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or dark urine).

Did You Know? Most store-bought ginger ale has little or no real ginger—and its sugar and carbonation can make stomachaches worse. Stick to proven remedies like Emetrol or Pepto Kids instead.

Stress, anxiety, and the gut-brain connection

Can anxiety really cause stomach pain?

“A common myth is that stress or anxiety causes ‘fake’ stomachaches. In reality, the gut and brain are closely connected—emotions can cause real physical pain, nausea, or changes in bowel habits,” explains Ajay Rana, MD, MCTR, FAAP, medical director of GCH’s Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center. “Just like stress can trigger headaches, it can also trigger abdominal pain.”

What to look for: Stomach pain that worsens before school or activities, trouble sleeping, or behavioral changes.

Motility disorders

Some children have underlying problems with how their digestive system moves food, known as motility disorders. These conditions can lead to chronic pain, bloating, nausea, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

“Chronic constipation and encopresis are the most common in children, but others include swallowing disorders such as achalasia, gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying), and Hirschsprung’s disease,” explains Dr. Rana. Diagnosing these disorders typically requires evaluation by a pediatric GI specialist.

What to look for: Severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, early fullness after eating, chest discomfort after swallowing, and symptoms that persist for weeks or months despite changes in diet or routine.

When to Seek Care:

If one or more of the following symptoms is affecting your child, contact their pediatrician to discuss next steps for testing or treatment:

• Severe or persistent pain (more than a few days)
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Green or bile-colored vomit
• A distended or hard abdomen
• Fever along with stomach pain
• Unexplained weight loss or slowed growth
• Pain that wakes a child from sleep
• Behavioral changes or school avoidance

Trust your gut

The most common cause of stomach pain in children is functional abdominal pain—where no structural problem is found. However, if stomach complaints are becoming frequent and disruptive, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Early evaluation can often bring peace of mind—or help you get to the bottom of what’s going on.