Functional Abdominal Pain Child
Overview
Causes
This problem is likely caused by many factors, such as:
- Increased sensitivity to pressure from food and gas on the walls of the intestine
- Problems with how the bowels work
- Mental health problems, such as emotional stress
- Infections
The Intestines |
![]() |
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. |
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from child to child. Pain may come and go or be steady. It may appear suddenly or slowly get worse over time.
Problems may be:
- Pain near the belly button or anywhere in the belly
- A burning feeling under the breastbone that is not from eating
- A feeling of fullness after a few bites of food
- Pain after bowel movements
Treatments
Treatment
The pain will often go away with time. The goal of treatment is to find and manage triggers. The overall goal is to return a child to normal activity. Options are:
Therapy
Emotions and stress can trigger abdominal pain or make it worse. Therapy can help a child manage stress and better cope with pain.
Medicine
Medicine may be used to ease symptoms. Options are:
- Acid reducers
- Intestinal muscle relaxers
- Bulk laxatives or medicine to stop diarrhea
- Probiotics to increase healthy bacteria
- Antidepressants
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.