Stomach aches in children

Additional Handouts Resources for Providers

FOR PROVIDERS:

Labs to consider: The following labs are recommended for chronic abdominal pain and alarm findings:

-       CBC with diff, ESR/CRP, CMP, Lipase, Urinalysis, serological testing for Celiac disease (IgA, tTg-IgA), stool for occult blood. When indicated: pregnancy test

-       Other lab considerations: TSH, free T4, IgE food panel, IgG food panel serum amylase/lipase, Stool for O&P and Giardia antigen, Stool culture, H. Pylori stool antigen or urea breath test, pregnancy test, PANS/PANDAS, Endoscopy/colonoscopy, XR/US or CT scan

Overarching treatment considerations (for providers only)

-       Diet diary, food elimination, and reintroduction, GI inflammation reduction

-       Probiotics, bitters, digestive enzymes, demulcents, motility agent

-       Eating habits- sitting/on the go, timing of day, cooked/raw, balance of nutrients, abrasiveness, nutritive agents

-       Treating nervous system: nervines for anxiety, sleep hygiene, paresis, homeopathy

-       Movement and exercise

References:

1.     Chitkara, D. K., Rawat, D. J., & Talley, N. J. (2005). The epidemiology of childhood recurrent abdominal pain in Western countries: a systematic review. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG, 100(8), 1868-1875.