Skip to main content

Stomach ache (abdominal pain) - Infants

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

It is pain or discomfort in the belly, between the chest and the pelvis. Symptoms may include: a hard or swollen belly, cramps, shooting pains, or a tugging, burning, or tight sensation. Most stomach aches in children are not serious and go away without treatment after some rest.

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Help your child rest in a comfortable position. 
  • Keep your child somewhere quiet, away from noise and activity. 
  • You can put a cool facecloth on your child’s stomach to reduce their discomfort. 
  • Have the child hold a small cushion against their stomach. This can provide both comfort and relief. 
Avoid
  • Do not give them anything to eat or drink if the pain is severe and constant or quickly becomes worse. 
  • Do not give them any medication or laxatives, and do not administer an enema without consulting a healthcare professional (doctor or pharmacist).  

When to seek medical attention

If your child have any of these signs:
  • your child often complains of stomach aches or the pain has continued for more than a day (24 hours); 
  • your child has a fever (if the child is over 3 months old); 
  • your child’s pee is pink, red, or contains blood; 
  • the pain is in the upper stomach area and feels like a burning sensation that keeps coming back and doesn’t go away even with treatment at home. 

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, nurse practitioner), if any of the above applies.

When to go to the hospital right away

Fever, if the child is under 3 months old.
Continuous stomach ache lasting more than 2 hours.
Extreme or sudden pain.
Pain that quickly gets worse, even when resting.
Stomach ache and one or more of the following signs:
  • difficulty breathing; 
  • dizziness; 
  • extreme weakness or fatigue; 
  • nausea or vomiting; 
  • rapid heartbeat. 
Red or black poop that looks like tar.
Vomit that contains blood (red or brown, like coffee grounds) or that looks like poop.
Vomit that is green or yellowish-green, and a stomach that is very hard and swollen (at any age).
Vomit that is green or yellowish-green in a young child, especially under 2 years old.

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time. 

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment. 

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC. 

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.  

Print this advice

See also

See all advices
See the details of Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis

  • Infants
  • Children
  • Adults
  • Seniors
See the details of Superficial Wound

Superficial Wound

  • Infants
  • Children
  • Adults
  • Seniors
See all advices