Most minor stomach aches in children are not serious and require no treatment, except maybe some tender loving care. The most common reason that a child might have a stomach ache is constipation. Please see the section on constipation for more information. Remember “have a bowel movement and you will feel better.”

A child should be evaluated by the doctor if she should have a stomach ache associated with fever, pain with urination, persistent vomiting, or if the stomach ache is severe. Severe stomach aches associated with anorexia (no appetite) are worrisome for appendicitis and are potentially serious. Please see the section on acute abdominal pain for more information. Children with these symptoms should be evaluated right away by the physician.