Digestive Issues Kids and Adults Should Not Ignore

Most people deal with an upset stomach, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea at some point. Sometimes the cause is easy to recognize — a rich meal, a change in routine, stress or a brief illness. In many cases, the problem improves within a day or two.

But not every digestive symptom should be written off as something you ate. Certain conditions can be a sign that it is time to seek care, such as: 

• Severe pain

• Bleeding

• Ongoing vomiting 

• Lasting change in bathroom habits 

That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on what feels different, how long the symptoms have lasted and whether anything else is happening alongside them.

Digestive Symptoms to Watch out For

Severe or Worsening Abdominal Pain 

Mild digestive discomfort may settle with rest, fluids and time. Sudden or intense pain is different, especially when it continues to get worse. Seek urgent or emergency care if abdominal pain comes with:

• A hard, swollen or very tender abdomen

• Fainting, confusion or trouble breathing

• Persistent vomiting

• A high fever

• An inability to pass stool or gas, especially with vomiting

• A recent fall, collision or other significant injury

Children may show pain differently than adults do. A child who cannot get comfortable, refuses to stand or walk, seems unusually tired or has pain that settles in one specific area should be checked.

Blood in Vomit or Stool 

Bleeding from the digestive tract does not always look the same. Blood may be bright red, dark red or maroon. Stool can also appear black and tarry.

A small amount of bright red blood can sometimes come from hemorrhoids or a minor tear, but it is still worth mentioning to your provider, particularly if it happens more than once. Seek prompt medical care for:

• Vomiting blood

• Passing a large amount of blood

• Black, tarry stool

• Bleeding that occurs with fainting, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion or severe pain

Important note: Call 911 or go to the emergency room if the bleeding is heavy or the person appears seriously ill.

Ongoing Vomiting or Diarrhea 

Vomiting and diarrhea often accompany a stomach virus. The immediate concern is whether the person can replace the fluid they are losing.

Signs of dehydration may include:

• A dry mouth

• Dark urine

• Very little urination

• Dizziness or unusual weakness

• Fewer wet diapers in a baby or young child

• Crying without tears

• Sunken eyes

• Unusual sleepiness

Children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Contact a pediatrician if a child cannot keep fluids down, has repeated vomiting or diarrhea or begins showing signs of dehydration.

Changes in Bathroom Habits 

Bowel habits vary from one person to another, so there is no single definition of normal. A meaningful change from your usual pattern is what matters. Talk with a clinician about:

• Constipation or diarrhea that lasts or keeps returning

• Ongoing urgency

• Unusually narrow stools

• A persistent change in stool color

• Bowel changes that interfere with school, work or daily activities

Children may not say that they are constipated. Signs can include painful bowel movements, avoiding the toilet, frequent stomachaches, reduced appetite or stool leaking into underwear.

Frequent Heartburn or Trouble Swallowing

Heartburn after an occasional heavy or spicy meal is common. Heartburn that happens often, wakes you at night or continues despite changes to your eating habits may need treatment.

Difficulty swallowing should also be checked, including:

• Pain with swallowing

• Coughing during meals

• The feeling that food is caught in the throat or chest

• Feeding difficulties in a child

• Poor weight gain

Important note: Chest discomfort should never automatically be assumed to be heartburn. Call 911 when it comes with pressure, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, faintness or pain that spreads to the jaw, shoulder or arm.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Poor Growth 

Weight loss without a clear reason is worth discussing with a provider, especially when it happens alongside the following: 

• Pain 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Blood in the stool 

For children, the concern may be slow growth rather than weight loss. A child who avoids eating because it hurts, repeatedly vomits or is not gaining weight as expected may need further evaluation. While these changes may not indicate a serious problem, they can suggest that the body is not getting or absorbing enough nutrition.

Pay Close Attention to Symptoms That Keep Coming Back 

It is easy to adjust your lifestyle to bloating, nausea, constipation or stomach pain when it has been happening for a while. Yet, recurring symptoms should not be considered normal simply because they are familiar.

Instead, make an appointment if digestive problems regularly disrupt school, work, sleep, meals or family activities.

Before the visit, it may help to track:

• When the symptoms happen

• Where the pain is located

• Foods eaten before symptoms began

• Bowel movement frequency and appearance

• Medications or supplements

• Fever, fatigue or weight changes

• What makes the symptoms better or worse

These details can give the care team a clearer picture of what has been happening and how to manage it. 

When to Get Immediate Help for Digestive Symptoms

Call 911 or seek emergency care for:

• Heavy bleeding

• Vomiting blood

• Black or bloody stool

• Fainting or confusion

• Severe dehydration

• Trouble breathing

• Sudden or severe abdominal pain

• A rigid and very tender abdomen

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a provider for stomach pain?

Make an appointment if stomach pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning or begins interfering with sleep, meals, school, work or daily activities. Seek urgent or emergency care for sudden or severe pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, persistent vomiting, fainting, trouble breathing or pain after a significant injury.

What digestive symptoms should not be ignored?

Digestive warning signs include blood in vomit or stool, black or tarry stool, ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing, severe abdominal pain and lasting changes in bowel habits. Symptoms that are getting worse or feel clearly different from normal also deserve medical attention.

When is blood in the stool an emergency?

Call 911 or seek emergency care if there is heavy bleeding or if blood in the stool occurs with fainting, weakness, confusion, shortness of breath or severe pain. Black, tarry stool or vomiting blood also requires prompt evaluation.

How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration in children may include a dry mouth, fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom, dark urine, crying without tears, sunken eyes and unusual sleepiness. Contact a pediatrician if your child cannot keep fluids down or has repeated vomiting or diarrhea.

When should I worry about constipation in a child?

Talk with a pediatrician if constipation is painful, lasts more than a few days, keeps returning or causes your child to avoid the toilet. Other signs may include frequent stomachaches, reduced appetite, hard stools or stool leaking into underwear.

Can frequent heartburn be a sign of a digestive problem?

Occasional heartburn is common, but heartburn that happens often, wakes you at night or does not improve with changes to your eating habits should be discussed with a clinician. Trouble swallowing, coughing during meals or feeling like food is stuck should also be evaluated.

If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, find a pediatrician or primary care provider near you.