Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a very common childhood symptom, occurring in around 10% of children. It has a peak presentation at 8–10 years of age, followed by a second peak for girls in early adolescence and can be disruptive not only to the child but also to the entire family. It is a big source of parental concern and causes considerable morbidity, missed school days and cost to the health service—as such it is a challenging problem in primary care. This article will discuss the common causes of RAP and its management in primary care—from useful pointers in the history and examination to when to investigate and refer further.
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