Recurrent abdominal pain

Chronic abdominal pain with no cause occurs a few times over a couple of months. These episodes are often severe, and the child is not able to do their normal activities.

Symptoms of chronic abdominal pain are different for every child and may change with each episode. Symptoms may include:

• Sharp or dull pain.
• Severe pain that causes the child to look pale, become sweaty, or cry and bend over in pain.
• Pain that lasts a few minutes or hours.
• Pain in the belly button area or anywhere in the belly.
• Pain that may or may not be related to eating.
• Pain that occurs anytime of the day or night.
• Abdominal pain that occurs with vomiting, headaches, or pain in the arms or legs.
• Not being hungry like normal or skipping meals but usually without losing weight.

Chronic abdominal pain may get worse with stress, anger, or excitement.

• Keep a symptom diary. This can help you see if there are events or emotions that make your pain worse. Think about what you ate, drank, or felt before the pain began. Maybe pain comes after a stressful meeting or when you have spicy foods, dairy products, or alcohol.
• Reduce stress. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help. Try taking a walk or doing other exercise when you feel stressed.
• Try cognitive behavioral therapy. You can work with a counselor to learn how to do this therapy. It can help you cope with pain by changing how you think. It can help you notice discouraging thoughts that make you feel bad.