Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP) of Childhood

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of childhood is defined as:

1. pains recurring for ≥ 3 months
2. ≥ 3 pain attacks before diagnosis can be confirmed
3. severe enough to interfere with child’s normal activity

Causes of recurrent abdominal pain in children:

1. Dysfunctional – 80%
2. Psychogenic – 10%
3. Organic – 10%
4. Alimentary Tract Disorders
   1. Peptic Ulcers
   2. Gallstones
   3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
      1. Crohn’s disease / Ulcerative Colitis
      2. amoebiasis
   4. Pancreatitis

Chronic abdominal pain in children, Leonie Gray (AFP)