Many children will experience some degree of abdominal pain at some point in their lives. However, in most cases, it is nothing to worry about. If your child’s abdominal pain persists, see their doctor to get a diagnosis.
A pediatrician will listen to your child and try to determine the cause of their abdominal pain and how best to treat it. They will ask you about your child’s pain, symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Blood, urine and stool tests can also be helpful in diagnosing recurrent abdominal pain.
The most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children is called “functional abdominal pain.” This type of pain doesn’t have an underlying disease that doctors can identify, says Dr. David Ziring, associate director of the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.
Functional abdominal pain is not as serious as an underlying disease like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. But it can still interfere with school work, social life and even sleep patterns.
Recurrent abdominal pain in children may occur during childhood or adolescence. There are two peaks in its frequency: the first peak is seen around five to seven years of age, and it’s equally common in boys and girls; the second occurs around eight to 12 years of age, and is far more common in girls.
It can be very difficult for parents to accept that their child’s pain is not caused by something serious, but it is important to reassure them. Some treatments are helpful for recurrent abdominal pain, such as calming medication or dietary changes.
A physician can also help your child learn how to relax when they’re in pain. They can recommend a psychologist or other counselor to teach your child relaxation techniques, just like they would for headaches.
If your child has recurrent abdominal pain, the best thing you can do is visit a qualified pediatric gastroenterologist who has experience in this area. A pediatric gastroenterologist can perform a detailed medical history and physical examination, and can recommend additional tests to find the cause of your child’s chronic abdominal pain.
The most important thing is to let your doctor know if your child has abdominal pain that has lasted more than two weeks or if it is accompanied by abnormal weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain or fever. These symptoms can indicate a more serious problem that needs attention and treatment, not just recurrent abdominal pain.
Recurrent abdominal pain in children can be hard on your child, and it is essential to address it promptly to prevent serious complications. A qualified pediatric gastroenterologist can evaluate your child and help them feel better again.
Your pediatrician will help your child manage their recurrent abdominal pain by prescribing medications, behavior therapies and dietary changes that may be helpful for resolving the condition. It is important to note that recurrent abdominal pain can lead to obesity and depression in children, both of which are very serious conditions.
