Chronic abdominal pain is any type of pain in the stomach area that lasts for more than two weeks. It is a common condition in children, especially between the ages of 5 to 10. The pain may be constant or it may come and go over time.
In a small number of cases, the child has a medical condition that is causing the pain, such as heartburn or Crohn’s disease. In most cases, doctors are not able to link the pain to any medical condition. This is called functional abdominal pain. But this doesn’t mean the pain is not real. The pain may keep children from school or out of other activities.
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What are the signs and symptoms of chronic abdominal pain?
The symptoms of chronic abdominal pain can vary. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling of pain or burning in stomach area
- Bloating or fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
In many cases, your child may not be able to describe the pain or tell you where it is located.
Please note there are many conditions that can cause similar symptoms. It’s important to see your child’s doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes chronic abdominal pain?
In some cases, an underlying medical condition is the cause of the pain. But more often, the pain is triggered by something else. Possible causes include:
- Stress or anxiety
- A need for attention
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- A nervous system that is more sensitive to pain
How is chronic abdominal pain treated?
In many cases, the pain gets better on its own after time. If treatment is needed, your child’s doctor may recommend one or more of the following.
- Behavioral therapy
- Relaxation exercises
- Medicines to relax the muscles or to ease anxiety
- If your child has a medical condition that is causing the pain, such as Crohn’s disease, they may need surgery. At Connecticut Children’s, our surgeons are skilled in using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques to perform surgery on children and teens with all types of abdominal conditions.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for chronic abdominal pain.