Center for Pediatric Abdominal Pain Research Research

Recurrent abdominal pain is a common childhood complaint, occurring in up to 40 percent of children and accounting for at least five percent of all pediatric office visits. RAP commonly is classified into a number of types but three of the most common are: functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia.

Functional abdominal pain is defined as episodes of abdominal pain that recur over at least two months in children with no evidence of an organic, or identifiable, cause.

Irritable bowel syndrome is defined as episodes of abdominal pain that are associated with changes in the character (softer or harder) and/or frequency of stools. The pain often is relieved by stooling.

Functional dyspepsia is defined as episodes of abdominal pain in the upper abdomen often associated with meals.

We now understand that there is a three-way conversation between the gastrointestinal tract which consists of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (also called the colon), the brain, and the bacteria in the intestines.

In people with a functional abdominal pain disorder, the intestines appear to be overly sensitive to normal stimulation such as eating, moving food along the intestine, or gas. In people with irritable bowel syndrome, the bowel movements (stools) may be softer or harder depending on whether the colon (large intestine) is taking out too little or too much water when they form the stools.

We are currently seeking study participants for the following clinical trials - financial compensation is provided:

• Peppermint Oil Pharmacokinetics/Dynamics and Novel Biological Signatures in Children with Functional Abdominal Pain (H-40351)
• A Pediatric Gastroparesis Registry (H-41641)