Abdominal Pain, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Has your child had 3 episodes of abdominal pain in 3 months (recurrent abdominal pain, or RAP) that are severe enough to limit his or her normal activities?

See significance of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

Do not allow your child to eat, and allow only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your child's health professional.

Yes

Is your child's pain getting more severe?

Yes

Are your child's episodes of pain occurring more often?

Yes

Is your child's current episode of pain different than the other episodes?

Your child needs an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child had episodes of abdominal pain without other symptoms?

Yes

Is your child less hungry than normal and he or she has lost weight?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 16, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer