One in six parents say their child complains of tummy aches at least once a month, according to a national poll by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at University of Michigan Health. While 1 in 3 parents surveyed are confident that they can identify whether the belly pain is serious, parents do not always seek professional advice when these complaints become regular. Based on 1,081 responses from parents of children ages 3 to 10, the C.S.
Nearly 75% of parents thought their child’s belly pain was related to indigestion, constipation or food, while a smaller percentage attributed the pain to a virus or infection. Stomach pain and anxiety Among parents of children ages 6 to 10, trying to avoid school and getting attention were believed to be more common reasons for the pain. Parents of children in this age range also cited anxiety and worry as potential causes.