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Short answer When a child's belly pain needs a doctor Common questions Related questions SourcesMost abdominal pain in children under 12 comes from constipation, a stomach virus, gas, or stress, and it clears up on its own within a day or two.
The likely cause shifts with the pattern: pain that wakes a child at night, sits low on the right side, or comes with a high fever points somewhere different than pain that shows up only on school mornings. Constipation is the single most common cause and is easy to miss, since a child can still pass small stools daily. Infections outside the gut, including urinary tract infection and strep throat, often show up as belly pain in young kids. Keeping fluids up, offering fiber and regular toilet time after meals, and writing down when the pain happens will usually make the picture clear within a week.
When a child's belly pain needs a doctor
Common questions
What causes Abdominal pain - children under age 12?
Most abdominal pain in children under 12 comes from common, short-lived causes: constipation, viral gastroenteritis, gas, overeating, and mild food intolerance such as lactose. Urinary tract infection, strep throat, and worry about school or family stress also cause real belly pain. Pain around the belly button that comes and goes, with normal growth and no fever, is often functional, meaning the gut is sensitive but healthy. Appendicitis, intussusception, and bowel obstruction are less common but need same-day care. Note where the pain sits, how long it lasts, and whether there is fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or pain when peeing.