Chronic abdominal pain is persistent abdominal (stomach or belly) pain that causes constant or recurring bouts of discomfort for at least three months. In some cases, chronic abdominal pain in children may be caused by an underlying condition. These conditions could include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, constipation, or lactose intolerance. However, in most cases, the pain is not tied to any known cause.

Symptoms of chronic abdominal pain can include nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and pain around the belly button. While not all patients experience severe symptoms, children with chronic abdominal pain can develop symptoms painful enough to interfere with regular activities. Recurrent chronic abdominal pain in children is believed to be most common before puberty, with the first bout often occurring between the ages of 5-7.