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Friday 22 November 2024

Peer Reviewed

Gastroenterology clinic

Recurrent abdominal pain in children

Jacinta Tobin

Recent articles on:
Abdominal pain

A child with recurrent abdominal pain

Rectus sheath haematoma: it’s not just a cough

Abdominal pain in children. An approach in general practice

Non-operative treatment of appendicitis. Is this possible?

Pelvic inflammatory disease: management of new-onset low abdominal pain in young women

Recent articles on:
Child development

Fussy eating in toddlers and young children: implications and management

Short stature in children – when to consider growth hormone deficiency

Children with autism spectrum disorder – consultation tips for GPs

Understanding developmental co-ordination disorder

Autism spectrum disorder in general practice

Abstract

While an organic cause of recurrent abdominal pain will not be identified in many patients, an explanation that can lead to resolution will usually be found.

Key Points

Remember

Recurrent abdominal pain in children is a complex biopsychosocial problem and requires time – make sure you allocate at least 30 minutes for a consultation.
There is often a hidden agenda, such as a family history of bowel cancer, a past history of serious illness in a parent or sibling, postnatal depression, marital discord or a major life event.
As the child’s family physician, you have an advantage in already knowing the family’s culture and what they value and what they worry about.