Why Does My Child Keep Having Stomach Pain?

If your child keeps experiencing stomach pain, it’s often due to a combination of digestive, dietary, emotional or even lifestyle factors. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C. in Atlanta, GA, we frequently help families understand the root causes behind persistent stomach pain in children and guide them toward effective solutions.

What Are the Common Causes of Recurring Stomach Pain in Kids?

Stomach pain is one of the most common reasons children come to our clinic. While an occasional tummy ache is usually nothing to worry about, ongoing stomach pain can signal an underlying issue. The most frequent causes include:

• Functional Abdominal Pain: This is pain without a clear medical cause, often triggered by stress, school anxiety or changes in routine. It’s common in school-aged children and is rarely a sign of a serious medical condition.
• Constipation: Many children experience stomach pain due to infrequent or hard bowel movements. Constipation can cause noticeable discomfort and is often overlooked as a cause.
• Food Intolerances and Allergies: Sensitivities to lactose, gluten, or certain foods can lead to chronic stomach pain, bloating and diarrhea.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Stomach viruses or bacterial infections can result in repeated bouts of abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
• Reflux and Heartburn: Acid reflux can cause burning pain in the upper abdomen, often after meals or when lying down.
• Other Medical Conditions: Less commonly, stomach pain can be due to inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infections or more serious health concerns.

Why Is My Child’s Stomach Pain Not Going Away?

Sometimes, stomach pain seems to linger despite changes in diet or routine. In these cases, the pain may become a cycle—worry about the pain can actually make it worse. Stress, anxiety and emotional upheaval are well-known triggers for functional abdominal pain in children. For some families, school stress, changes at home or social pressures can all play a role.

Visit our Is Your Child Sick? page and choose “Stomach Pain – Female” or “Stomach Pain – Male” from the dropdown menu. You may also choose “Abdominal Pain” for males or females if needed. You will receive instant guidance for a variety of situations.

When Should I Be Concerned About Stomach Pain?

Most stomach pain in children is not caused by a serious problem. According to Harvard Health, you should seek prompt medical advice if your child experiences:

• Persistent pain that disrupts daily life
• Pain that wakes them at night
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Weight loss or poor growth
• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
• Fever with stomach pain
• Severe, sudden, or worsening pain

How Can Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Help?

Our experienced team of board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners specializes in evaluating and managing chronic abdominal pain in children and adolescents. We take a thorough approach, starting with a complete history and physical exam. We may order tests if needed or recommend elimination diets to identify food triggers. Our providers also take time to discuss stress, emotional health and lifestyle factors that could play a role.

We believe in a collaborative, family-centered approach, working closely with parents to develop a personalized care plan for each child. Our goal is to help children return to normal activities and improve their quality of life.

What Are Some Ways to Help Ease Stomach Pain at Home?

• Encourage a high-fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water to help with constipation.
• Keep a food diary to spot patterns and potential triggers.
• Create a calm, supportive environment to help manage stress and anxiety.
• Establish regular meal and sleep routines.
• Avoid known food irritants, such as highly processed foods, caffeine, or foods your child is sensitive to.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stomach Pain in Children

How long should I wait before calling a doctor about stomach pain?
If pain is severe, persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, contact your pediatrician right away. For mild pain, monitor your child and keep a record of symptoms.

Is chronic stomach pain in kids usually serious?
Most cases are not caused by serious illness, but ongoing pain should always be evaluated to rule out underlying conditions.

Does stress really cause stomach pain?
Yes. Emotional stress is a very common cause of functional abdominal pain in kids.

Can diet changes help?
Absolutely. Increasing fiber, managing food triggers and drinking more water are often helpful.

What if my child’s pain gets worse?
Contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine promptly. Sudden, severe or worsening pain could indicate something more serious.

Get Help for Your Child’s Persistent Stomach Pain

At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C., our caring team is dedicated to helping Atlanta families find answers and relief for persistent stomach pain and adolescent abdominal concerns. If your child’s stomach pain is ongoing or you have other health worries, contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the support you need.

We also offer Saturday URGENT CARE appointments at our Glenwood Park location from 8:45 – 11 AM.  Phone lines open at 8:45; please call (404) 446-4726 ahead for an urgent sick appointment.