Common Chronic GI Issues in Children

Ongoing stomach and digestive issues in children occur in different ways. Children can suffer from intermittent pain or discomfort for weeks or months before anything is identified. Examples of chronic gastrointestinal disorders that we diagnose and treat include:

• Functional abdominal pain (stomach aches with no clear structural cause)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children and teens

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Chronic constipation

• Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

• Food intolerances, including lactose and gluten sensitivity

• Celiac disease

• Gastroparesis and motility disorders

• Cyclic vomiting syndrome

Signs Your Child May Have a Chronic GI Problem

When your child has recurrent abdominal pain severe enough to disrupt normal activities at least once a week, lasting more than 2 to 4 weeks, or causing your child to miss school frequently, it's time to seek medical help.

It can be hard to tell when a digestive issue isn't just a one-time stomach bug, but something more chronic. Here are some of the signs that point to a chronic or functional problem rather than a short-term illness:

• Stomach pain or discomfort that comes and goes for more than 2 weeks

• Pain that regularly affects school attendance, sleep, or daily activities

• Bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness that doesn't improve

• Alternating constipation and loose stools

• Nausea with or without vomiting, especially after meals

• Reflux, heartburn, or a frequent sour taste in the mouth

• Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite over time

• Blood in stool (even small amounts warrant evaluation)

• A child has recurring stomach aches that won't go away and has no clear explanation

Signs in Infants and Toddlers

Younger children cannot always describe where things hurt. Watch for these signs in infants and toddlers:

• Frequent spitting up or arching of the back after feeding (possible GERD)

• Persistent fussiness after meals

• Hard, infrequent stools or straining without producing a bowel movement

• Refusal to eat or pulling away during feeding

• Visible stomach distension or bloating

Why Your Child Might Be Having Stomach Problems

There are many different causes of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in children. Most of the time, particularly in school-age children and adolescents, symptoms are functional, meaning the digestive system is not working optimally even without a structural problem. In other cases, a specific condition is driving the symptoms. Common contributing factors include:

• Diet and food intolerances (dairy, gluten, high-FODMAP foods)

• Stress, anxiety, and the gut-brain connection, especially in school-age children

• Infections that trigger post-infectious IBS

• Family history of GI conditions

• Motility issues affecting how quickly food moves through the digestive tract

• Inflammatory conditions affecting the gut lining

• Antibiotic use altering gut microbiome balance

Understanding your child's symptoms, eating habits, family medical history, and routines helps our providers narrow down the cause to diagnose the issue and develop a treatment plan that fits your family's lifestyle.

When to Visit Children's Urgent Care in Anchorage

If your child has had an ongoing or chronic stomach ache, it is worth having a provider take a look. Alaska Children's Urgent Care and Outreach offers same-day and next-day evaluation of pediatric GI issues in Anchorage.

In-person visits are recommended when:

• Your child has lost weight unexpectedly

• There is visible blood in the stool

• Vomiting is severe or persistent

• Abdominal pain is constant rather than coming and going

• Your child is significantly dehydrated

• You need a physical examination, blood work, or stool testing

A Telemedicine Visit Works Well For:

• Review your child's full symptom history and pattern

• Discuss diet, bowel habits, stress factors, and family history

• Provide a working diagnosis and initial care plan for functional conditions

• Order labs or imaging to be completed at a facility near you

• Coordinate with your local clinic or specialist if a referral is needed

• Follow up on ongoing management of conditions like IBS, GERD, or constipation

Telemedicine is available statewide across Alaska. Book a video visit or call 907-222-5090 to get started.

Why Choose Alaska Urgent Care and Outreach?

Alaska Children's Urgent Care and Outreach was built with Alaska first in mind. Our pediatric team knows how to talk with children, make them feel comfortable, and communicate clearly with parents.

• Same-day appointments

• Providers who specialize in pediatrics

• Telemedicine access from anywhere in Alaska

• A calm, family-centered environment

Every visit we provide is meant to benefit you and your child. Whether your child's stomach issues have just started or have been happening for months, we can help you figure out why.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions