Abdominal Pain, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have generalized or cramping pain?

See significance of generalized or cramping pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

Do not allow your child to eat or drink until you have talked with your child's health professional.

Yes

Has your child had continuous severe pain for 30 minutes or longer?

Yes

Has your child had mild to moderate pain for more than 4 hours and the pain is getting worse?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Note:

Do not allow your child to eat, and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's health professional.

Yes

Has your child had mild to moderate pain for longer than 4 hours?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has your child had mild pain for 12 hours or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 16, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer