Pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)

What is pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)?

Chronic abdominal pain is a stomach ache that reoccurs for long periods of time and caused by one of several known or unknown conditions.

What are the different types of pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)?

There are two types of chronic abdominal pain:

1. Functional abdominal pain (non-organic abdominal pain) - This type is idiopathic, meaning there isn’t an immediate, identifiable reason. This commonly happens with children, as it can be hard for them to accurately describe the pain or where it’s located. Unexplained abdominal pain can be the result of an offset nerve or referred pain (also known as reflective pain). This occurs when the pain begins in one area, but the child feels it another region.

2. Explained pain - This type means there is a specific reason for the pain that can be identified.

Chronic abdominal pain typically occurs for a specific reason, including:

• Abdominal migraines

• Acid reflux (GERD)

• Cancer 

• Chronic appendicitis 

• Crohn’s disease 

• Cholecystitis 

• Endometriosis 

• Food allergies 

• Hernia 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

• Ischemic bowel disease

• Ovarian cyst

• Lead poisoning

• Parasitic infection

• Sickle cell anemia 

• Ulcers 

• Ulcerative colitis

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)?

Symptoms will vary, depending on the location and source of condition, and include:

• Abdominal mass (lump)

• Abdominal pain

• Ascites (swelling)

• Blood in bowel movement or urine

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Jaundice

What are the causes of pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache)?

Pediatric chronic abdominal pain can be caused by unknown reasons (idiopathic), or by one or more conditions affecting a child’s abdominal region (lower chest to upper pelvis area). It becomes a chronic pain issue when it’s a consistent problem that reoccurs (repeats) for days or even years.

How is pediatric chronic abdominal pain (stomach ache) treated?

• Psychological services for patients with abdominal pain