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Recurrent tummy pain is common in children. Some doctors call it abdominal migraine, although it's not one condition. All sorts of things are tried but no-one's been too sure what works, and that's not helped by too little research. Recurrent tummy pain is common in children. Some doctors call it abdominal migraine, although it's not one condition. Some kids have just the pain while others have changes to their bowel habits - like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In some cases, there's a psychological issue making things worse like having a hard time at school. All sorts of things are tried but no-one's been too sure what works, and that's not helped by too little good research. A review of the evidence such as it is, suggests that four things may be worth trying depending on the pattern of symptoms. One is a medication called famotidine which reduces acid in the stomach. Another is an anti migraine drug called pizotifen, the third is peppermint oil and the fourth is cognitive behavioural therapy. That probably works because many people with abdominal symptoms seem wired to be more conscious of bodily sensations and teaching the person not to be concerned can help. A word of caution though, firstly the evidence isn't strong for any of these and secondly there's a belief that doctors should be thinking of coeliac disease in such children. That's where there's an intolerance to gluten and is more common than previously thought.
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