Children's Tummy Pain and Problems with Poo

Feel confident getting your child answers

It can be worrying if you’re caring for a child with ongoing tummy pain, changes in their poo or symptoms you can’t explain. This page explains what their GP may do and the tests they might need. It can help you:

Recognise symptoms
Prepare for your child’s appointments
Find trusted information for more support

Your toolkit

Recognise the signs, start conversations, and find the right support sooner.

Created December 2025.

Parents’ guide to getting a diagnosis for your child

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Supporting information for parents and carers

We’ve created this information to guide and support you and your child.

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On this page
Understanding your child's symptomsYour child's GP appointmentWhat could it be?Tests and investigationsYour child's diagnosisUseful resources

Understanding your child's symptoms

Everyone’s gut behaves differently. Knowing what’s normal for your child can help your GP understand their symptoms and find possible causes sooner.

Key points

Track when your child’s symptoms started, how often they happen, and whether anything makes them better or worse.
Note any changes in your child’s poo, such as how it looks or how often they go to the toilet.
Tell the GP about all your child’s symptoms.

Gut symptoms

Is your child's poo healthy?

Symptoms in other parts of their body

Keep a record

Talking to others

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Your child's GP appointment

Knowing what to expect can make GP appointments feel less overwhelming. This section helps you feel prepared, understand the questions the GP may ask, and know what might happen next.

Key points

Share all your child’s symptoms with the GP, even if they seem small or not linked to their gut.
Your child’s GP will ask questions and may examine your child to understand what’s going on and how to help.
Ask questions if something does not make sense.

Why book an appointment with your GP?

What will happen at your appointment?

How long have you had symptoms?

Other questions the GP may ask

Questions you might want to ask your GP

Researching on the internet

What could it be?

Gut symptoms can happen for many reasons. This section explains some of the conditions your child’s GP may check for.

Key points

Different conditions can cause similar symptoms.
The GP’s questions and tests help rule things in or out.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Coeliac disease

Other conditions your GP may consider

Tests and investigations

Created December 2025.

Your GP may arrange tests to help understand what’s causing your child's symptoms. Results from these tests guide what happens next.

Key points

Blood and poo tests help your GP check for inflammation, infections and other possible causes of your child's symptoms.
If your GP needs more information, they may refer your child to a specialist for further tests.
Always tell your GP if your child's symptoms change or get worse while you’re waiting for appointments or results.

Blood tests

Poo (stool) tests

Being referred

Referral waiting times

Your child's diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis can take time. Your child may receive a diagnosis from their GP or a specialist.

Key points

If you disagree with your child’s diagnosis, you can ask questions or seek a second opinion.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Coeliac disease

The GP may investigate other conditions

Being referred after your diagnosis

If you disagree with your child’s diagnosis

Getting a second opinion

Making a complaint about your GP

FAQs for parents and carers

Why does my child's tummy keep hurting?

Can gut problems make my child tired?

What if my child’s poo looks unusual?

How can I support my child at appointments?

Trusted guidance

This information was created by UK charities working together with healthcare professionals and people with lived experience.