Why does my child always have stomach aches?
By Dr Jonathan Dudzik
Paediatric gastroenterologist in Ashgrove, Brisbane
Complaints of stomach aches are a common part of childhood. Many children will experience abdominal pain from time to time, often due to a minor illness, a change in routine, or something they have eaten.
But when stomach aches keep coming back, parents naturally start to wonder whether something more may be going on.
Recurring abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons children are referred to a paediatric gastroenterologist. While the symptoms can be disruptive and concerning, the good news is that most cases are not caused by a serious underlying disease.
What causes recurrent stomach aches?
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain in children. Common causes include:
- constipation
- reflux
- anxiety or stress
- food-related symptoms
- disorders of gut-brain interaction (sometimes called functional gastrointestinal disorders).
Disorders of gut-brain interaction occur when the communication between the digestive system and the nervous system becomes disrupted. The gut can become extra sensitive, causing genuine pain and discomfort, even though routine tests are often normal.
These conditions are very common and can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life.
Don’t overlook constipation
Constipation is one of the most common causes of recurrent abdominal pain in children and is often underestimated. Some children may not complain of difficulty opening their bowels, making constipation easy to miss.
In addition to stomach pain, it can cause:
- bloating
- nausea
- poor appetite
- changes in bowel habits.
Treating constipation effectively can often lead to significant improvement in symptoms.
Can stress and anxiety cause stomach aches?
The connection between the brain and the gut is powerful. Children experiencing stress, anxiety or emotional challenges may develop very real physical symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea or changes in bowel habits. This does not mean the symptoms are ‘all in their head’. Rather, it reflects the close relationship between the digestive system and the nervous system.
For some children, addressing both physical and emotional well-being is an important part of treatment.
When could it be something more serious?
Less commonly, recurrent abdominal pain may be related to conditions such as:
- coeliac disease
- inflammatory bowel disease
- other gastrointestinal or medical conditions.
While these conditions are less common, it is important to recognise when further investigation may be needed.
When should families seek medical advice?
Most children with recurrent abdominal pain continue to grow and develop normally. However, medical review is recommended if your child experiences:
- weight loss or poor growth
- persistent vomiting
- blood in the stool
- ongoing diarrhoea
- symptoms that regularly wake them from sleep
- a strong family history of gastrointestinal disease.
Finding the cause
If stomach aches are affecting your child’s wellbeing, school attendance, sporting activities or family life, a specialist assessment may help identify the underlying cause.
Understanding why symptoms are occurring is often the first step towards effective treatment. A paediatric gastroenterologist can work with families to investigate ongoing symptoms and develop an individualised management plan to help children feel their best.
