Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal quadrants and regions in a child

Generalized pain occurs in two or more sections of the abdomen.

Localized pain is confined to or is most intense in one section of the abdomen. Localized pain that comes on suddenly and gets steadily worse may mean a problem with an underlying organ. A serious problem may be present if other symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever, develop after the abdominal pain started. Localized pain is also more worrisome if the pain starts in more than one area of the abdomen (generalized) and then becomes localized.

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine