When to get medical help

Seek emergency care if your child:

  • Has severe abdominal pain that is worsening or lasting more than an hour
  • Shows signs of dehydration — fewer than six wet diapers a day, more than eight hours without urinating in older children, dry mouth, decreased saliva or crying without tears
  • Has bloody diarrhea
  • Vomits blood

Abdominal pain in children

Find possible causes of abdominal pain based on specific factors. Check one or more factors on this page that apply to your child's symptom.

Pain is
Onset is
Preceded by
Triggered or worsened by
Relieved by
Accompanied by