May also be called: Stomachache; Bellyache Almost everyone has had abdominal pain at some point. While a stomachache can be a symptom of many conditions, most do not have a serious cause. More to Know Causes The amount of belly pain someone has does not always match the seriousness of the problem causing it. Sometimes very simple problems like gas or constipation can make a person very uncomfortable. An infection (like a bout of "stomach flu" or "food poisoning") can cause stomach pain, as can problems like appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Abdominal pain also can be a symptom of a food-related problem like celiac disease (a reaction to proteins in some grains), food allergies, or a food intolerance. Stress also is a common cause of abdominal pain. In those cases, counseling to manage stress can be helpful. In some cases, abdominal pain can be caused by a problem in another part of the body (like the chest). Treatment Treatment, if needed, will depend on the cause of the abdominal pain. Kids should not be given laxatives, antacids, or other medicines unless recommended by a doctor. Keep in Mind While many cases of abdominal pain are minor, some can have a more serious cause, like appendicitis. So call your doctor if the pain is very strong, is accompanied by repeated vomiting, or the discomfort gets worse over time or doesn't go away. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Stomachaches Ugh. Bellyaches. Find out what causes tummy trouble in this article for kids. Read More E. Coli Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection marked by severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect your family. Read More Stomachaches Lots of different problems can cause similar kinds of stomach pain - not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on. Read More Appendicitis Appendicitis requires immediate medical attention, so it's important to know its symptoms. The earlier it's caught, the easier it is to treat. Read More E. Coli Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection and severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect yourself. Read More Irritable Bowel Syndrome Having irritable bowel syndrome can make a kid feel awful. The good news is that kids can take steps to feel better. Read More Ultrasound: Abdomen Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly. Read More X-Ray Exam: Abdomen An abdominal X-ray can help find the cause of many abdominal problems, such as pain, kidney stones, intestinal blockage, a hole in the intestine, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor. Read More Celiac Disease People who have celiac disease, a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten, can't eat certain kinds of foods. Find out more - including what foods are safe and where to find them. Read More Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.