Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger

Emergencies

Yes	Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Shock, which is more likely to occur with an injury, bleeding, or a serious illness
• Severe dehydration
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

If your child has any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Vaginal bleeding: Go to the topic Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding.
• Constipation: Go to the topic Constipation, Age 11 and Younger.
• A child has swallowed an object: Go to the topic Swallowed Objects.

Yes	Does your child have severe pain?
Yes	Has your child had a recent injury to the abdomen?
Yes	Does your child have localized abdominal pain?
Yes	Does your child have generalized or cramping pain?
Yes	Has your child developed a symptom or problem after surgery?
Yes	Does your child have rectal bleeding?
Yes	Does your child have a fever?
Yes	Does your child have symptoms of dehydration?
Yes	Do you think that your child's abdominal pain may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Has your child had 3 episodes of abdominal pain in 3 months (recurrent abdominal pain, or RAP) that are severe enough to limit his or her normal activities?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Fever: Go to the topic Fever, Age 4 and Older or Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
• Vomiting: Go to the topic Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger or Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.
• Painful urination or other urinary problems: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
• Diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger.
• Breathing problems: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
• Episodes of colic: Go to the topic Colic.
• Crying: Go to the topic Crying, Age 3 and Younger.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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