Nonespecific or uncomplicated abdominal pain (Paediatrics)

Very low urgency
Very common-

Abdominal pain is a symptom, not a disease. Its intensity does not always reflect the severity of the underlying cause.

The most common causes are viral gastroenteritis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance and mild poisoning, menstruation, urinary tract infections and muscle fatigue.

Other symptoms or signs, such as abdominal swelling or changes in bowel movements and flatulence, may be associated with it.

It is a diagnosis of exclusion, made by ruling out other conditions.

It is advisable to improve your eating habits and use antacids and/or common painkillers to relieve the pain.

It is not usually necessary to go to the emergency department unless the abdomen is hard and tender, painkillers are not tolerated, there is an inability to defecate, vomiting or blood in the stool, trauma or the possibility of pregnancy.

Bibliographic references
  1. Robert M Penner, Mary B Fishman, Sumit R Majumdar. Evaluation of the adult with abdominal pain. UpToDate. Feb 22, 2016.
  2. Mariam R Chacko, Eric Chiou. Functional abdominal pain in children and adolescents: Management in primary care. UpToDate. Oct 26, 2016.
  3. Robert M Penner, Mary B Fishman, Sumit R Majumdar. Causes of abdominal pain in adults. UpToDate. feb 22, 2016.
  4. Cuevas del Pino D. Krasniqi G, Blanco Bravo A. Dolor abdominal agudo. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 407-412.
  5. Jacobs DO. Silen W. Dolor abdominal. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición: 103-107.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Localised abdominal pain


    Generalised abdominal pain


    Curled up legs


    Pain in the middle of the abdomen


    Loss of appetite

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Diarrhoea for more than 1 week
Vomiting
Unable to eat or drink for more than 7 hours
Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
10% weight loss in a week
Depositions with blood, mucus or pus.

Self-care

Avoid taking over-the-counter medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Avoid fatty foods like red meat, butter, fried foods and cheese.
Eat small meals every day, rather than 2 or 3 large meals.