- Constipation is a very common cause of stomach aches in children.
- Symptoms can include stomach pain, gas, reflux, burping, fatigue, and general discomfort—not just infrequent bowel movements.
- Some children avoid using the bathroom at school due to discomfort, distractions, or limited breaks, leading them to hold in stools.
- Holding in stools can result in tummy aches and gas pain by the end of the school day.
- Complaints often increase towards the end of the school year when such habits become established.
- Children may not always recognize or communicate that constipation is the cause of their discomfort.
Common Causes for Constipation
Constipation is a common cause of stomach aches in kids, often made worse by bathroom habits at school.

Amer Al-Nimr, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterology