Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) syndrome is a common cause of repeated belly ( abdominal) pain in otherwise healthy children. It is a common cause for missing school and other activities. Common symptoms of RAP include:Repeated episodes of belly pain – usually around the belly button,Pain that lasts 1 to 3 hours,The child often lies down with the belly pain.,After the pain, the child acts normally.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist may suggest writing down: When the pain comes. How long it lasts.
What helps? Where the pain is located? . Aggravating or relieving factors. Most of time, cause is trivial and pain can be controlled by medicines after appropriate diagnosis.Your pediatric gastroenterologist may suggest trial of medicines or if necessary blood investigations /sonography.Pediatric endoscopy to find the exact cause of abdominal pain is a safe procedure in experienced hands.Consult Pediatric Gastroenterologist immediately if:The pain is worse or more frequent, The pain is located in one place (other than the belly button)., Pain wakes your child up at night.,Pain comes with eating., Heartburn., Unexplained fever., Weight loss.,Diarrhea or constipation., Feeling sick to one’s stomach ( nausea) or repeated vomiting., Excessive belching.,Your child looks pale, tired or disoriented during or after the pain., Urinary pain or frequent urination. Blood in stools (red, dark red, or black stools).Empirical Treatment may subside pain for a while but recurrences are known.If no cause identified, pain is likely due to sensitized developing GUT and due to psychological factors.Appropriate treatment is possible with early consultation.
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