What is recurrent abdominal pain?

Chronic abdominal pain means you have belly pain that occurs a few times over a couple of months. Sometimes the pain is linked to eating certain foods or having a bowel movement. But most of the time the pain cannot be explained.

Your doctor may use the words "functional abdominal pain" to describe the problem. It can be hard to deal with pain when your doctor cannot find a cause, even after tests are done.

When the pain is very bad, it can keep you from doing your normal activities. Sometimes stress can make your pain worse. Even if you cannot make the pain go away, there are things you can do to make it a little easier to manage.

Some children with chronic abdominal pain feel better when they recognize their symptoms and how to deal with them. Other children may feel better but have other ongoing problems with their intestines or stomach. And some children will have ongoing episodes of chronic abdominal pain.

Having chronic abdominal pain does not increase the chance of the child having an ulcer or other intestinal problem as an adult. But any child complaining of chronic abdominal pain should be evaluated by a doctor.

Symptoms of chronic abdominal pain are different for every child and may change with each episode. Symptoms may include:

• Sharp or dull pain.
• Severe pain that causes the child to look pale, become sweaty, or cry and bend over in pain.
• Pain that lasts a few minutes or hours.
• Pain in the belly button area or anywhere in the belly.
• Pain that may or may not be related to eating.
• Pain that occurs anytime of the day or night.
• Abdominal pain that occurs with vomiting, headaches, or pain in the arms or legs.
• Not being hungry like normal or skipping meals but usually without losing weight.

Chronic abdominal pain may get worse with stress, anger, or excitement.

A child who has chronic abdominal pain should eat regular meals, not skip any meals, and not overeat at any one meal. Different foods, such as spicy foods or dairy foods, may trigger an episode in some children. Your child should not eat any foods that cause abdominal pain.

Many children are able to manage their pain and keep doing normal activities. Be sure that your child has regular meal and snack times as well as a regular bedtime so your child gets enough sleep.

Chronic abdominal pain with no cause occurs a few times over a couple of months. These episodes are often severe, and the child is not able to do their normal activities.