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Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

What is chronic abdominal pain?

Chronic abdominal pain happens at least 3 times in 3 months.

Abdominal Organs

What are different types of chronic abdominal pain in children?

What causes chronic abdominal pain in children?

The cause of your child's pain may not be found. The following are common causes:

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic abdominal pain?

Signs and symptoms may come and go. Your child may feel pain in all areas of his or her abdomen or just in 1 area. He or she may not want to eat. He or she may not want to do his or her daily activities, such as school or sports. He or she may also have any of the following:

How is the cause of chronic abdominal pain diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's family history of abdominal pain. Tell him or her if your child takes any medicines, and how well he or she eats and sleeps. Tell him or her if your child has any other health problems or has missed activities because of the pain. Tell him or her if your child has been stressed or worried lately. Your child may also need any of the following:

How is chronic abdominal pain treated?

Healthcare providers may not find a medical problem that is causing your child's pain. If no problem is found, they will work to decrease your child's symptoms so he or she can return to his or her regular activities. With treatment, your child's abdominal pain may decrease, happen less often, or go away. Your child may need any of the following:

How can I help manage my child's chronic abdominal pain?

Your child's healthcare provider may give you specific instructions based on your child's age. The following are general guidelines:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my child's doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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