DS (4) keeps saying his tummy hurts. He's been saying this on and off fairly consistently for a couple of weeks but he has no other symptoms.
- bowel movements seem normal
- doesn't hurt if you press his tummy
- indicates whole tummy area (behind belly button) if you ask where it hurts
- skin normal (no rash, no dark circles)
- sleeps fine
- eats fine
- temperature fine
- loads of energy
There doesn't seem to be a pattern with eating particular foods. He will sometimes say it hurts at night when he goes to bed, but will also say at weekends or say it hurt at nursery. (I don't think it ever hurts enough for him to tell an adult there.)
He doesn't appear to be in pain - he just says it hurts. We reassure him and give him a cuddle but don't make a big fuss and he just carries on playing or cycling or whatever after saying it.
Is there any point speaking to a GP about this, or will he grow out of it? I know children sometimes use 'tummy ache' as a general complaint (when they are actually sad, anxious, headachey, etc.) but I've tried asking about those things and he doesn't seem to have any worries.
I can't imagine what the GP would be able to do/say, but DS has been saying this for a while and I feel bad 'ignoring' him.