Abstract
Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood is more likely to be functional if:
the pain is central
there is a family history of abdominal pain, headache or depression
there is associated anxiety or headache symptoms
Abdominal pain is more likely to be organic if:
the pain is in the suprapubic, loin, right upper or lower quadrant areas
there is associated poor growth or weight loss
there is an abnormal full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate or urinalysis
there are associated alarm symptoms, such as persistent or significant vomiting, chronic diarrhoea or fever