Children under stress are as likely to become physically ill as anyone else. The treatment of recurring abdominal pain with a physical or functional cause depends on the underlying problem. For example, a change of diet may help if pain is provoked by eating certain foods. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen may help relieve menstrual cramps. Parents can help by reducing stress and tension as much as possible, helping the child cope with unavoidable stress, and encouraging the child to attend school despite the pain.
Teachers can help by resolving conflicts related to school.
With the parents' permission, the nurse can give the child a mild pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if necessary. In some instances, the nurse may allow the child to call a parent, who can then encourage the child to stay in school. Typically, a child will request time in the nurse's office one or more times a day during the first week or two of treatment. This behavior usually stops quickly. After the problem has resolved, the doctor may want to monitor the child regularly for a few months.