Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP)
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is defined as at least 3 separate episodes of abdominal pain that occur within a 3-month period. These episodes are often severe enough to interfere with a child's normal activities. It may affect up to 30% of children between the ages of 4 and 12.1
Children with RAP normally complain of pain around the navel (umbilicus). The pain usually is dull, although it can be severe at times. Although most children with RAP have normal physical examinations, the condition often occurs with other symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and pale skin colour (pallor).
A physical cause is found in less than 10% of children diagnosed with RAP. It is thought that emotional stress may aggravate RAP. Typical stresses that are often related to RAP are school performance and family problems.
Any child complaining of ongoing abdominal pain should be evaluated by a health professional.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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