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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Stomach Pain in Boys (Children & Teens)

Stomach pain is a common complaint in childhood. While it is usually caused by something minor (like gas or a virus), it can sometimes signal a more specific medical issue.
This guide focuses on pain located between the bottom of the rib cage and the groin.

1

How to Gauge the Pain

To communicate effectively with a doctor, use this scale to measure how the pain is affecting your son’s behavior:

  • Mild: He feels pain and tells you about it, but he can still play, sleep, and do normal activities.
  • Moderate: The pain stops him from doing some fun things or wakes him up from sleep.
  • Severe: The pain is bad enough that he cannot do any normal activities.
2

When to Get Help

Call 911 Now

  • He is not moving or is too weak to stand.
  • You suspect a life-threatening emergency.

Call Doctor Now or Go to ER

  • Groin/Genital region check: There is pain or swelling in the scrotum or testicles. (Sometimes pain here radiates to the stomach).
  • Location: The pain is low on the right side (Appendicitis risk).
  • Duration: The pain or crying has been constant for more than 2 hours.
  • Fever: Temperature is over 104° F (40° C).
  • Appearance: He looks or acts very sick.
  • History: Recent injury to the stomach, or high-risk condition (Diabetes, Sickle Cell, recent surgery).
  • Age: The child is less than 2 years old.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Moderate pain keeps him from some activities.
  • Mild cramping comes and goes but has lasted more than 24 hours.
  • Fever: Any fever is present with the pain.
  • Urination: You suspect a Bladder Infection (painful peeing, bad smell, or new bedwetting).
3

🔍 What Caused This? (Common Triggers)

If the symptoms are not urgent, use this chart to identify the likely cause.

Acute Causes (Happening Now)

Possible CauseSymptoms & Clues
Overeating or HungerMild pain. Occurs after a big meal or when he hasn’t eaten in a while.
Stomach Bug (Virus)Cramps accompanied by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Usually Rotavirus.
Food PoisoningSudden vomiting/diarrhea hours after eating bad food. Usually clears in 24 hours.
ConstipationCramps in the lower belly. The need to pass a stool.
Strep ThroatA Strep infection causes stomach pain with fever in 10% of cases (even without a sore throat).
Bladder Infection (UTI)Pain in the lower belly, urgency, or foul-smelling urine.

Serious Conditions (Rare but Important)

  • Appendicitis: Suspect this if the pain is low on the right side. He may walk bent over, refuse to hop or jump, and want to lie perfectly still.
  • Intussusception: (Ages 6 months to 2 years). Look for sudden, severe pain where the child screams and pulls his legs up, followed by periods of being calm. This is caused by the bowel “telescoping” into itself.

Recurrent Causes (Happening Often)

  • “Worried Stomach” (Stress): Very common (10% of children). Pain is near the belly button. Often affects sensitive, “model” children during stressful times (school changes, family issues). The pain is real, but the cause is emotional.
  • Abdominal Migraine: Sudden attacks of pain and vomiting. Strong genetic link to migraine headaches.
  • School Avoidance: Pain happens mostly on school mornings and stops him from attending.
4

🏠 Home Care Advice

If the pain is mild, follow these steps to help him feel better at home.

  1. Rest and Position
    • Have him lie down. Resting often relieves the pain. Usually, with mild causes, the pain will improve or disappear within 2 hours.
  2. Hydration
    • Offer clear fluids only (water, flat soda, or half-strength Gatorade).
    • Avoid solid foods until he feels better.
    • If the pain is very mild, a regular diet is okay.
  3. Bathroom Habits
    • Encourage him to sit on the toilet and try to pass a stool. This often relieves pain from constipation or diarrhea.
    • Tip: For constipation in younger children, a warm, wet cotton ball moved gently on the anus may help stimulate a bowel movement.
  4. Prepare for Vomiting
    • Keep a pan or bucket nearby. Young children often say their “tummy hurts” when they are actually nauseous and about to throw up.
  5. Manage Stress (For “Worried Stomachs”)
    • If the pain is recurrent and linked to stress:
      • Help him talk about what is worrying him.
      • Teach relaxation techniques: slow deep breaths making the belly go up and down.
      • Ensure he gets enough sleep and does not miss school for mild stomach aches.

⚠️ Medication Warning

Do not give Ibuprofen or Aspirin.

These drugs can irritate the stomach and make the pain worse.

Do not give laxatives for stomach cramps.

You may give Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if he has a fever over 102° F (39° C).

5

What to Expect Next

  • Harmless Causes: Pain usually improves in 2 hours.
  • Stomach Flu: Cramps may happen before vomiting or diarrhea for a few days.
  • Serious Causes: The pain will not go away; it will get worse and become constant.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.