Abdominal pain

Tummy pain in children is common. Most children do not need tests or treatment and the pain will get better by itself.

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New tummy ache page

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has green or blood stained vomit
  • Has severe pain even after paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Has testicular pain
  • Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
  • Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the rib, unable to talk or noisy breathing (grunting)
  • Breathing that stops or pauses
  • Is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
  • Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
  • Weak, high-pitched, continuous cry or extremely agitated
  • Has a fit (seizure)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure and seems unwell (see the 'Glass Test')
  • Is under 3 months old with temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C
    (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has a swollen tummy
  • Has blood in their poo or wee
  • Has tummy pain that doesn’t go away for more than 1 day even after paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Is very thirsty or is weeing a lot more than normal
  • Has yellow skin or eyes
  • Is losing weight
  • Is vomiting and unable to keep down any fluids
  • Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
  • Dry skin, lips or tongue
  • Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
  • Poor feeding in babies (less than half of their usual amount)
  • Irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
  • Is 3-6 months old with temperature 39°C or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
  • Temperature of 38°C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors) 
  • Temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months
  • Getting worse or you are worried about them

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to
either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your
child has not developed any red features

If your child has non of the above:

Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms

Additional advice is also available for families for help cope with crying in otherwise well babies

If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please
contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

This guidance has been reviewed and adapted by healthcare professionals across North East and North Cumbria with consent from the Hampshire development groups.

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How can I look after my child?

Should include ensuring your child has regular food and drink (clear fluids) and regular pain relief (paracetamol/ ibuprofen should be given as per manufacturers instructions)