Recurrent pain is significant when it disturbs normal activities and lasts for more than three months. If your child is growing well, then a serious pathology is very unlikely. It may sometimes be a manifestation of anxiety or stress.
Some of the symptoms may point to a serious condition like–
- Pain, which is away from naval ( belly button)
- Pain which wakes up the child from sleep
- Sudden and severe pain
- Associated with weight loss
- Reduced activity level
Functional abdominal pain
It is defined as pain without any associated pathological features. It is usually seen between 4 to 14 years of age. There is no specific pattern with pain free intervals ranging from days to weeks. Examination and investigations are normal.