Call 911 if:
- The child isn't moving.
- The child is too weak to stand up.
Knowing that a child has a stomachache or nausea can be hard, but pain lessens within two hours in most cases.
Call Doctor If:
The child has a stomachache and any of the following:
- Pain that happens more often or gets worse
- Pain that moves from the belly button to the lower right of the abdomen
- Trouble walking because of pain
- No appetite for a day or longer
- Green or yellow vomit or vomit that contains blood or flecks that look like coffee grounds
- Symptoms of dehydration such as darker urine and fewer wet diapers
- Black or bloody stool
- Problems passing stool
- A rash that looks like bruises on the legs and buttocks
- Headache and sore throat along with stomach pain
- Pain when urinating
Treating Symptoms of Your Child's Stomachache
- Have the child lie down and rest.
- Don't give the child fluids for about 2 hours after the last vomiting episode. Then give the child clear fluids such as water or flat soda. Start with just a sip at a time.
- Keep a container nearby in case the child vomits.
- If the child vomits more than once, watch for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or dry diapers, dry lips, and crying without tears.
- If you think the child could be constipated, put them on the toilet. Passing a stool may ease the pain.
- Sit the child in warm water to help release a stool if you think the child is constipated.
- Avoid giving ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), pain medicine, or laxatives.