Tummy Troubles: A Parent’s Guide to Stomach Pain and Constipation
24 Feb, 2026
"My tummy hurts." It is one of the most common phrases a parent hears, yet it is also one of the most vague. Because a child’s abdomen houses so many different systems from digestion to the immune system pinpointing the cause of stomach pain in children can feel like a guessing game. At Neoclinic Children’s Hospital, we see everything from "school nerves" to genuine digestive issues. Understanding the difference between a passing cramp and a deeper problem is the first step toward a happy, comfortable child.
Decoding the Cramp: What’s Really Going On?
When a child complains of abdominal pain in kids, the location often tells a story. Pain right around the belly button is frequently related to stress or a mild viral "stomach bug." However, if the pain moves to the lower right side, or if the belly feels hard and tender to the touch, it is time to call your pediatrician.
A very frequent, yet often overlooked, cause of child stomach problem visits is actually gas and bloating. Kids often swallow air while eating too fast or drinking through straws, which leads to sharp, stabbing pains that disappear once the gas passes. However, if the pain is persistent and paired with a change in bathroom habits, we often look toward the most common culprit: the colon.
The Silent Struggle: Understanding Pediatric Constipation
If your child hasn't had a bowel movement in a few days, or if they are straining, you are likely dealing with constipation in children. This isn't just about how often they go; it’s about the quality of the movement. If you notice hard stool in kids that looks like small pebbles or causes pain during passing, their system is backed up.
Chronic constipation can actually cause "leakage" that parents mistake for diarrhea, and it can even lead to a lack of appetite because the child feels "full" all the way up. At Neoclinic, we see many children who develop a "withholding" habit, they had one painful bowel movement and now they are afraid to go again, which only makes the problem worse.
Effective Child Constipation Treatment at Home
The good news is that most cases of pediatric constipation can be managed with a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Before reaching for over-the-counter laxatives (which should only be used under a doctor’s guidance), try these steps for child constipation treatment:
- The "P" Fruits: Pears, plums, peaches, and especially prunes are natural wonders for moving the bowels. They contain sorbitol, a natural sugar that draws water into the gut to soften the stool.
- Fiber and Fluid: Fiber acts like a broom for the intestines, but it only works if there is enough water to "push" that broom. Ensure your child is drinking plenty of water alongside whole grains and raw vegetables.
- The Routine: Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after breakfast or dinner. This takes advantage of the "gastrocolic reflex" the body’s natural urge to empty the bowels after a meal.
- Physical Activity: Movement outside helps movement inside. Jumping, running, and playing help the intestines contract and move waste along.
When to Seek Pediatric Stomach Pain Care
While most tummy aches resolve with a heating pad and some rest, some symptoms require a professional eye. You should seek pediatric stomach pain evaluation if the pain is accompanied by:
- A high fever or persistent vomiting.
- Blood in the stool or vomit.
- A sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard for the child to walk or stand up straight.
- Weight loss or a refusal to eat for more than a day.
At Neoclinic, we are experts at getting to the bottom of digestive discomfort. Whether it’s a food sensitivity, a bout of constipation, or something more complex, our goal is to get your child back to feeling their best. Don't let your child "tough it out", a comfortable tummy leads to a much happier household.