What is recurrent abdominal pain (RAP)?
If your health care provider has ruled out serious conditions, yet the abdominal pain is severe enough to limit your child’s activity, and occurs at least once a month in a period of at least three months, your child may have recurrent abdominal pain (also called functional abdominal pain). Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) typically affects kids ages 4-12, and is quite common, affecting up to 15% of children [1]. While the exact cause is not known, the reason for your child’s pain may be related to diet, anxiety, depression, increased sensitivity or immaturity of the nervous system. RAP can be associated with anxiety, depression, headache, vomiting, pale skin, not participating in regular activities, and missing school. Kids with RAP are at greater risk of having anxiety as young adults [2].
