Clinical update: recurrent abdominal pain in children

Abstract

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is common in children and most cases have a non-organic cause. Diagnosis is made by excluding other serious causes, and early referral and intervention help ensure a better outcome. RAP can cause significant anxiety in parents and carers, who can become overwhelmed by fear of serious disease and feel helpless by being unable to relieve their child's pain. Parents and children (especially adolescents) need explanation that there is nothing seriously wrong with their 'tummy' and provide reassurance and support. Although there is limited evidence, pharmacological therapies are used in severe cases. The main crux of therapy is non-pharmacological and includes symptom control through lifestyle changes, dietary interventions and behavioural therapies with an aim to return to normal activity.