Abdominal Pain

Childhood abdominal pain is an uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating condition that may indicate the presence of an underlying medical problem. The pain may be acute, occurring suddenly and lasting a week or less, or it may be chronic, lasting for long periods of time or on a chronic basis. There are a variety of problems that may cause abdominal pain in children, and treatment typically varies accordingly.

Did you know…

that abdominal pain is responsible for nearly 1 in 20 pediatric visits? School age children often complain of abdominal pain. While many of those patients are successfully treated by a primary care provider, some are referred to pediatric gastroenterologists for further testing and treatment. Acute and chronic abdominal pain is responsible for approximately 1 in 3 visits to a pediatric GI specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most common causes of pediatric abdominal pain?

A child may have abdominal pain due to many conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to ; constipation, reflux, food allergies/intolerances, celiac disease, ulcers, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and even stress.

What symptoms typically accompany childhood abdominal pain?

The symptoms that co-occur with abdominal pain can be a primary indicator of the condition responsible for a child’s digestive discomfort. For example, some children may experience fever, bloody stools, diarrhea, and even weight loss. These types of symptoms may indicate the presence of a particular disease and provide clues for diagnosis and treatment.

Are there any treatments for pediatric abdominal pain?

There are treatments available for abdominal pain once a thorough examination is completed. This may involve imaging, lab work, medications or dietary modifications. A child’s primary care physician will determine if a Pediatric Gastroenterology consultation is warranted.