‘Tummy ache’ is one of the most common complaints parents hear from children. Sometimes the explanation is obvious. Other times a child complains repeatedly despite appearing otherwise well.
Because young children use ‘sore tummy’ to describe many different sensations, the first step is to work out what they actually mean.
When Does the Tummy Ache Happen?
Timing can provide useful clues. Does it happen before a bowel movement, after eating, before school, at bedtime, first thing in the morning, after particular foods or after several days without a substantial bowel movement?
Could Constipation Be Causing the Pain?
Constipation is an important consideration in recurrent abdominal discomfort. Remember that going every day does not automatically rule it out.
Look at stool size, consistency, straining and whether the child empties comfortably.
What About Bloating?
Does the child’s abdomen become visibly distended or uncomfortable as the day progresses? Notice whether particular meals or bowel patterns coincide with bloating.
Could Reflux Feel Like a Tummy Ache?
Children do not always describe reflux as heartburn. Depending on age, they may simply say their tummy hurts, complain of discomfort after meals or become reluctant to eat.
Can Stress Cause a Sore Tummy?
The gut and brain communicate in both directions. A child may genuinely experience abdominal discomfort when anxious, worried or anticipating school.
That does not make the pain imaginary.
Should I Look for Food Patterns?
If symptoms repeatedly occur after particular foods, a food and symptom diary can help. Avoid removing numerous food groups because of one isolated tummy ache.
We are looking for a repeatable pattern.
Keep a Simple Diary
Record food, timing of pain, bowel movements, bloating, reflux symptoms, school days, sleep, stressful events and appetite.
Related Reading
- tummy aches and abdominal pain
- constipation in children
- bloating and wind
- reflux in children
- food intolerances in children
- IBS in children
- Constipation in Children: Why Going Every Day Doesn’t Always Mean the Problem Is Solved
- The Gut–Brain Connection in Children: Digestion, Mood, Behaviour and Development
- What Does a Healthy Poo Look Like in Children?
Ready to Better Understand Your Child’s Health?
If these patterns sound familiar, our team can look at your child’s nutrition, digestion, sleep, growth and lifestyle together to understand which factors may be relevant to their individual presentation.
The Children’s Naturopath supports children and families through consultations at our St Kilda clinic in Melbourne and by phone throughout Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
