12 year old haveing Abdominal pain for 3 1/2 days

[TSlavens]

My son came home from friends house on Monday night saying that he was having abdominal pain. He had been swimming and out in the sun all day also ate while he was there. I didn't think alot about it at the time. We are going on three days now and he is still complaining. Not all the time just off and on. He has not been eating all that much and is not running a temp. He is still exercising like he normally does.
He has taken some stool softner also, as of yet he has not "went".
Is there anything else that I should be worried about? and how long before I take him to the Dr.? Like I said this pain isn't all the time but seems to be getting worse over the last couple hours.

[Debbie Miller, RN]

Hello,
Abdominal pain is very hard to diagnose at home. There are so many organs in the abdominal cavity that could cause the problem. Most often in a child it is bowel-related. There can be constipation which causes cramps. The child's diet may not have sufficient fiber content. He may not drink enough or exercise enough to keep his bowels working well.

Of course we worry about appendicitis so if there is no relief in a couple of days you should have it checked out. Viral infections are pretty much run of the mill and everyone gets them at time. They have to just run their course.

If he gets a fever, feels chilled or other symptoms appear, take him to the doctor.

Best wishes