Abdominal Pain, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have localized abdominal pain?

See significance of localized 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 severe pain that is not relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement?

Yes

Is your child's pain rapidly getting worse?

Yes

Does your child have nausea or vomiting?

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

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 moderate pain for 4 hours without other symptoms?

Yes

Does your child have pain with a new or different bulge at the navel or groin?

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 that comes and goes for 48 hours but does not have other symptoms?

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