Stomach Pain in Kids: Causes, Home Remedies, and Treatment Options

Introduction

Has your child complained about stomach pain? Stomach pain is one of the most common complaints in children and is a frequent cause of doctor’s or hospital visit for children¹. Most causes of stomach pain in kids are harmless (e.g., indigestion, constipation, or anxiety) and may get better in a few hours or days². However, stomach pain in children may also be a sign of underlying serious conditions, such as appendicitis or urinary tract infection that may require prompt medical attention. It is important to recognise when to seek medical help to ensure your child’s health and safety². 

This article will help you understand the common causes of stomach pain, effective home remedies, and the different treatment options available in children.  

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Kids

The common causes of stomach pain include^1,2: 

• Gas and bloating: Gas builds up when air is swallowed while eating or drinking or when certain foods are not digested well. 
• Indigestion or overeating: Eating quickly or consuming heavy, spicy, or oily foods can upset the stomach. 
• Constipation: This is a common cause of stomach pain in children and may be caused by a low-fibre diet, not drinking enough water, or irregular toilet habits. 
• Stomach infection in kids: This may be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites and can cause stomach pain in kids. 
• Food allergies or intolerances: Children may present with lactose intolerance or allergies to certain foods such as nuts and milk. 
• Worm infestation (such as ascariasis): This commonly occurs in children due to lack of access to clean water, poor hygiene or improper sanitation³. 
• Anxiety and depression: In children, emotional stress may be expressed as physical symptoms like stomach pain. 

If stomach pain does not improve over time, it may indicate a serious stomach infection, such as^1,2: 

• Appendicitis: This occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, causing pain. 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colic): Less common but can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss in children. 
• Urinary tract infection: This occurs when bacteria infect the urinary tract, causing symptoms like lower abdominal pain, burning with urination, frequent urination, or fever. 
• Gallstones or stomach ulcers: Although uncommon in children, these may cause sharp or persistent stomach pain, especially after meals, and may need prompt medical care. 
• Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic disorders may cause abdominal pain due to the abnormal buildup of substances in the body. 
• Tumour or cancer: Tumours in the abdomen such as Wilms’ tumour or lymphoma can cause persistent stomach pain, swelling, loss of appetite, or weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor immediately. 

While most stomach aches in children are mild and improve with simple care, some causes may need medical attention. It is always recommended that you consult your doctor if the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with fever, vomiting, blood in stools, or weight loss. 

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain in Kids

Stomach pain is a common complaint among children. As a parent, you can try these simple, safe remedies at home to provide comfort to your child. However, these are only general soothing measures and not substitutes for medical treatment. Stomach pain in kids home remedies include^1,2: 

• Hydration: Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, such as water, or other clear fluids, such as juices. Also, encourage your child to get adequate rest, which can support recovery. 
• Warm compress: To relieve stomach pain in kids, you can place a hot water bottle on your child’s stomach or run a warm bath. This may help to relieve stomach cramps. 
• Light diet: Consuming light and easy-to-digest meals may help to reduce the strain on your child’s stomach. Foods like buttermilk, ghee, bajra (millets), brown rice, curd rice, and cumin may aid in digestion⁴.  
• Abdominal massage: A stomach massage in a clockwise direction using gentle pressure can help relax your stomach muscles, which can aid in digestion. It may also help to relieve pain associated with bloating and stomach cramps⁵. 
• Physical activity: Light physical activity, such as walking, can help to relieve constipation or gas and, thereby, improve digestion. It is important to remember that rest is important, however, lying down for too long or performing exercises that involve lying flat may worsen bloating^6,7. 
• Indian home remedies for stomach pain for child:  This includes the use of age-old Indian home remedies, such as applying a small amount of hing (asafoetida) paste around the navel and drinking cumin (jeera) or ajwain (carom seed) water to ease stomach pain and gas⁸. Studies suggest⁹ that the use of peppermint oil may also help reduce the duration, severity, and frequency of stomach pain in children. 

If the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, it is important to seek immediate medical help^1,2. 

Treatment Options

Medicines for stomach pain in children should only be given under a paediatrician’s supervision. Parents must avoid self-medicating, as incorrect medicines or dosages can be harmful. A doctor may recommend the use of: 

• Pain relievers: Stomach pain medicine for kids, such as paracetamol, may be prescribed. Antacids may be recommended if stomach pain is related to acidity. Avoid the use of aspirin and ibuprofen. It is always recommended that you consult your doctor and understand what dose of a medication will be suitable for your child^1,2. 
• Deworming medicines: Recommended only after proper diagnosis and when advised by the paediatrician. Your doctor may recommend albendazole or mebendazole annually or biannually to reduce the risk of worm infestations in children¹⁰. 
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed only if the infection is bacterial (such as gastroenteritis). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take the medication as directed¹¹. 

Additionally, lifestyle and dietary changes may play a vital role in relieving and preventing recurrent stomach infections. This includes^1,2: 

• Ensuring that your child eats balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains  
• Making sure they drink an adequate amount of fluids throughout the day 
• Introducing fibre gradually into their diet 
• Encouraging regular mealtimes and avoiding excessive junk or fried foods or carbonated drinks 
• Gentle stress management strategies, such as maintaining a healthy sleep routine, encouraging play and physical activity, and open conversations about their worries 

The treatment of stomach pain in children involves a careful balance between medical guidance and healthy daily habits.  

When to See a Doctor?

Most children experience stomach pain at some point, and in many cases, it resolves on its own. You should take your child to your doctor or directly to the emergency department if your child^1,2:  

• Has persistent, severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain that shifts in location, or sudden sharp pain (especially if it is located on the right side of the abdomen, as this may suggest appendicitis, which requires medical care). 
• Develops fever or chills, becomes pale, sweaty, or unusually unwell, or has been vomiting for more than 24 hours.  
• Shows signs of severe dehydration, such as very little or no urination (or fewer than four wet nappies a day in infants), dry lips, sunken eyes, or unusual sleepiness, that require immediate medical care. If your child refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, it may worsen dehydration and signal an underlying illness that needs attention. 
• Is receiving treatment for cancer and developing stomach pain. 
• Is vomiting blood or passing blood in stools (especially dark, tarry, or maroon-coloured blood), sudden sharp abdominal pain, a rigid or hard belly, recent abdominal injury, or difficulty breathing are all serious warning signs that need urgent evaluation. 
• Has ongoing diarrhoea lasting more than two days, vomiting lasting over 12-24 hours, fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C), poor appetite for more than two days, or unexplained weight loss. These are all additional signs that require immediate medical attention.  

While stomach pain in children may resolve without serious consequences, persistent or severe pain or pain associated with any of the symptoms above, should never be ignored. Early medical evaluation helps ensure that serious conditions are treated quickly and your child stays safe. 

Prevention Tips for Stomach Pain in Kids

Stomach pain in children may be prevented by following these simple tips^1,2,12: 

• Encourage handwashing: Teach children to wash their hands properly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet, to reduce the risk of stomach infections. 
• Wash fruits and vegetables well: Always clean produce thoroughly to remove dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residues¹³. 
• Avoid junk food and overeating: Limit fast foods, fried snacks, and carbonated drinks, as these foods can upset the stomach. Encourage balanced, home-cooked meals. 
• Promote regular bowel habits: Encourage your child to use the toilet at regular times and not to hold back stools, which can help prevent constipation-related stomach pain. 
• Keep your child hydrated: Offer plenty of water and healthy fluids to maintain digestion and prevent dehydration. 

By following these simple practices, parents can lower the risk of common stomach problems in children and promote their child’s digestive health. 

Conclusion

Stomach pain in children is a very common complaint and, in most cases, it is mild. Such pain generally resolves with simple care, hydration, and healthy lifestyle practices. However, it is important for parents to recognise the difference between minor symptoms and symptoms that may signal a more serious underlying condition. Prompt medical attention is essential if the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with warning signs such as fever, vomiting, blood in stools, or unexplained weight loss. By practicing good lifestyle habits, promoting good dietary habits and seeking professional medical guidance when needed, parents can ensure good digestive health and the overall well-being of their child. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Better Health VIC. Abdominal pain in children [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/abdominal-pain-in-children 
2. MedlinePlus. Abdominal pain – children under age 12: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007504.htm 
3. Siviero I, de Almeida UVB, Penna CRR, Di Puglia EBM, Simões BCB. Abdominal complications of ascariasis in childhood. Jornal de Pediatria [Internet]. 2024 Mar 1; Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11361875/ 
4. Kumar Garg A, Singh A, Vishnoi H, Singh C, Kumar Adlakha M, Scholar P. An International Journal of Research in AYUSH and Allied Systems TRADITIONAL DIETARY PATTERN OF INDIAN FOOD AND ITS SCIENTIFIC BASIS: AN OVERVIEW. 2017 [cited 2025 Sep 9];1:1063. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/333809912.pdf 
5. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Self-abdominal Massage [Internet]. Available from: https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/uploads/25773.pdf 
6. Cui J, Xie F, Yue H, Xie C, Ma J, Han H, et al. Physical activity and constipation: A systematic review of cohort studies. Journal of Global Health [Internet]. 2024 Nov 22;14. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11583288/ 
7. Al-Beltagi M. Exploring the gut-exercise link: A systematic review of gastrointestinal disorders in physical activity. World Journal of Gastroenterology [Internet]. 2025 Jun 14;31(22). Available from: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/abstract/v31/i22/106835.htm 
8. Zareen S, Nishant. Indian Medicinal Plants and their Uses [Internet]. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144521069.pdf 
9. Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, Lauche R, Langhorst J, Dobos G, et al. Herbal Medicines for Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics [Internet]. 2017 May 4;139(6):e20170062. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28562281/ 
10. World Health Organization. Deworming in children [Internet]. www.who.int. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/deworming 
11. Bruzzese E, Giannattasio A, Guarino A. Antibiotic treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children. F1000Research [Internet]. 2018 Feb 15;7(193):193. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5814741/ 
12. Healthdirect Australia. Personal hygiene for children [Internet]. Healthdirect.gov.au. 2019. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/personal-hygiene-for-children 
13. Zander A, Bunning M. Fact Sheet No. Food and Nutrition Series|Food Safety [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Guide%20to%20Washing%20Fresh%20Produce508.pdf 

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