Tummy troubles are a part of growing up. From picky eating habits to food sensitivities and stomach bugs, there’s no shortage of reasons why your child might complain about a stomachache. But if your child frequently experiences indigestion, especially after meals, it may be time to take a closer look.

what is indigestion?

Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It can happen occasionally after eating or become a more frequent problem that disrupts your child’s appetite, sleep or mood.

Children with indigestion may describe it in different ways, including:

• “My stomach feels full”
• “It hurts in my chest”
• “It burns”
• “I feel like I’m going to throw up”
• “It hurts more when I eat”

It’s important to remember that kids may struggle to describe what they’re feeling. You may notice subtle clues like skipping meals, avoiding certain foods or waking up with stomach pain during the night.

signs of indigestion in children

While every child may describe indigestion a little differently, common symptoms include:

• Belly pain, especially in the upper abdomen
• Bloating or feeling full quickly during meals
• Nausea or gagging
• Burping or gassy discomfort
• Acid reflux (burning in the chest or throat)
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping after eating
• Bad breath or sour taste in the mouth

Indigestion can happen with or without vomiting or diarrhea. It can also mimic other conditions like constipation, anxiety or food intolerance, which is why it’s helpful to keep a symptom journal.

what causes indigestion in kids?

There are many reasons a child might experience indigestion. Some are short-term and harmless, while others require medical evaluation.

Common causes include:

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• High-fat or spicy foods
• Caffeinated drinks (like soda or iced tea)
• Carbonated beverages
• Eating right before lying down or going to bed
• Stress or anxiety
• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten)
• Constipation or poor digestion
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion without a known cause)

If your child frequently experiences symptoms, especially without a clear food trigger, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician.

how is indigestion different from a stomach virus?

A stomach virus usually comes on quickly, causes vomiting or diarrhea, and resolves within a few days. Indigestion, on the other hand, tends to happen after meals and may be chronic or recurring. There’s usually no fever, body aches or contagious illness involved.

If your child’s stomach discomfort seems tied to meals or eating habits, and returns again and again, it’s more likely to be indigestion than a passing stomach bug.

when should I be concerned?

Occasional indigestion isn’t usually a cause for concern. But if your child experiences symptoms more than twice a week or they begin affecting daily life, talk to your pediatrician.

You should also call the pediatrician if your child:

• Has persistent or severe stomach pain
• Wakes up at night due to belly discomfort
• Avoids eating or is losing weight
• Has vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 days
• Complains of a burning sensation in the chest
• Has dark, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Has difficulty swallowing or food getting “stuck”

These may be signs of a more serious issue, such as GERD, an ulcer, or an infection.

how is indigestion diagnosed?

Your child’s provider will likely start with a physical exam and a full review of symptoms and eating habits. They may ask about:

• When the symptoms started
• Which foods make it worse
• Whether symptoms happen during or after meals
• Any changes in appetite, sleep or weight

In some cases, your provider may recommend:

• Lab work to check for infection or inflammation
• Stool tests to rule out infection or blood
• Imaging (like an abdominal X-ray) if constipation or blockage is suspected
• Referral to pediatric gastroenterology for endoscopy or advanced testing

Most children don’t need extensive testing, especially if symptoms are mild and improve with dietary changes.

how to help your child feel better

If your child’s indigestion is mild or occasional, these at-home strategies may help:

• Encourage slow, mindful eating
• Avoid overeating or second helpings right away
• Cut back on greasy, spicy or fried foods
• Skip caffeine and carbonated drinks
• Don’t allow eating within two hours of bedtime
• Help your child manage stress or anxiety
• Keep a food and symptom diary to spot patterns

If symptoms persist, talk to your pediatrician about medication options. Antacids or acid reducers may be helpful short-term, but long-term use should always be supervised.

pediatric gastroenterology care at Dayton Children’s

You may be referred to see a pediatric gastroenterologist. At Dayton Children’s, our gastroenterologists can evaluate children with chronic digestive issues, reflux, unexplained pain and feeding difficulties.

We work closely with families to identify the cause of symptoms and develop a plan that supports your child’s long-term digestive health, whether it’s dietary changes, testing, or ongoing follow-up. Schedule an appointment online or call 937-641-4000.