Introduction. Stomach ache is frequent in children of all age groups. The symptom accompanies illnesses originating from organic, environmental and psychological factors. Aim of the study. Analysis of stomach ache final diagnoses in children over 3 years old hospitalised at Bielsko-Biała Paediatric Hospital based on clinical observation and laboratory/imaging tests results. Material and methods. Analysis of data from case records of 3–18 years old children with stomach aches hospitalised at the children’s ward in 2015. The collected data was coded in MS Access 2015, statistical analysis was carried out in MS Excel 2015. Results. The most frequent final diagnosis was functional stomach ache – in 123 children (74.6%). Gastroenteritis was diagnosed in 23.6% of children, gastroesophageal reflux in 15.5% of children, lactose intolerance in 13.3% of girls and 4.2% of boys. Acute surgical problems (appendicitis, cholecystolithiasis) were observed only in 3 children. One child was suspected of intussusception. In 13 children other illnesses which may result in stomach ache were diagnosed, such as emotional/psychosomatic disturbance or depression. Conclusions. 1. The most frequent reason for hospitalisation was functional stomach ache which should have been diagnosed mostly at general child care centres or gastroenterology outpatient clinics. 2. When determining the reasons for stomach ache, other organs pathology must be considered, including emotional disturbance. 3. Stomach ache diagnostics in hospital practice should be selected based on symptoms so as to limit the number of laboratory and imaging tests. 4. Indications for X-ray in diagnosing stomach ache must be carefully analysed, specifically as regards gastroesophageal reflux.

Key words: child, stomach ache, hospitalisation.