Your child has a condition called functional abdominal pain. This means the pain is REAL, but it is not caused by a disease or damage to the body.

Think of it like a 'sensitive alarm system' - the nerves in your child's gut are sending pain signals even though nothing is wrong.

This is one of the most common causes of tummy pain in children, affecting up to 25% of school-age children.

The gut and brain are closely connected (the gut-brain axis).

Stress, anxiety, and emotions can make the gut more sensitive.

It often runs in families.

It is NOT caused by something the child ate or something you did wrong.

Acknowledge the pain is real - never say 'it's all in your head'

Encourage normal activities including school attendance

Help your child learn relaxation techniques (deep breathing, visualization)

Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers

Ensure regular meals, adequate sleep, and physical activity

Reduce focus on the pain - avoid repeatedly asking about it

Blood in stool or vomit

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent fever

Pain that wakes your child from sleep every night

Severe pain that prevents all activity

Signs of dehydration

Most children improve significantly within 6-12 months

Some children may have occasional flare-ups during stressful times

The goal is normal function, not necessarily zero pain

Your child will NOT develop a serious disease from this condition