Tummy Troubles

Handling Little One's Bellyaches

By Dr. Aneema Van Groenou

Now that you know what the pain is really like, you have a better idea of whether you should be worried – and whether to call your doctor or head straight to the emergency department.

Call a doctor immediately if:

• Your child looks really ill. You know your little one best; if he is feverish, unusually worn out, weak or just "looks bad," get help right away.
• Your child is not drinking any fluids. A child can become dehydrated very quickly, especially if he is also feverish or has vomiting or diarrhea.
• The pain is severe or comes on really suddenly (severe pain can cause your child to double over, ball up or arch his back).
• You notice that his stool or vomit is dark or has blood in it. Your child has a rash on her skin along with the belly pain.
• Your child is dehydrated and has fewer than three saturated diapers a day or doesn't have tears when crying.
• The pain is in the lower right part of the belly or in the testicles or is worse with urination.
• The belly pain, diarrhea or vomiting has lasted longer than 12 hours.

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