Chronic Abdominal Pain & IBS
Pediatric Abdominal Pain & IBS
A careful workup, real explanations, and a plan, for kids and teens whose stomach pain keeps coming back.
Chronic stomach pain is one of the most disruptive GI problems in childhood. It pulls kids out of school, sports, and sleep, and families are often told everything looks fine without ever getting a clear plan.
Dr. Mendez takes the time to identify red flags, rule out the conditions that matter, and explain functional abdominal pain and IBS in a way that empowers your family to treat it effectively.
Signs and symptoms
- Stomach pain happening weekly or more often
- Pain that interferes with school, sports, or sleep
- Pain associated with bowel movements (relief or worsening)
- Bloating, gas, or cramping
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting, or early fullness
- Pain plus weight loss, blood in stool, or night-time pain (red flags)
- Anxiety or school avoidance related to pain
How we treat it
- Detailed history that maps pain to meals, stress, sleep, and bowel patterns.
- Focused labs, stool studies, and imaging only when they will change the plan.
- Clear distinction between functional pain, IBS, and organic disease.
- Treatment plan that combines nutrition, brain-gut tools, and selected medication.
- Coordination with pediatric psychology when stress and pain feed each other.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Stomach pain lasting more than two months.
- Pain that wakes your child from sleep.
- Weight loss, poor growth, or blood in the stool.
- Vomiting, fevers, or joint pain along with abdominal pain.
- Pain causing school absences or limiting daily life.
Frequently asked
Is functional abdominal pain 'just stress'?
No. Functional pain is a real, well-defined condition where the gut and brain are over-communicating. Stress can amplify it, but the pain is genuine and treatable.
Does my child need an endoscopy?
Most kids with chronic abdominal pain do not. We use endoscopy when there are red flags or specific findings that point to it, and Dr. Mendez performs it personally when needed.
What about food triggers like FODMAPs?
Targeted diet changes can help in IBS, but we do them carefully so kids do not over-restrict. We work with a pediatric dietitian when a structured diet trial makes sense.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.