Abdominal Pain

Most abdominal pain in children is not serious and will get better without treatment (Health Direct, 2023).

It may not have a physical cause but be linked to anxiety or stress (Health Direct, 2023).

Abdominal or Tummy Pain & CMPA

What causes abdominal pain in infants?

It is sometimes difficult to find the cause for abdominal pain in infants and children. Common causes in children include wind, constipation and gastroenteritis (or inflammation of the digestive system) and possibly allergies, such as CMPA.

Could it be a symptom of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?

CMPA may present with symptoms of abdominal pain amongst others. Abdominal pain can also be confused with functional gastrointestinal disorders or lactose intolerance (Koletzko et al 2012).

However, when considering the diagnosis of CMPA, it’s important to consider that the majority of infants with CMPA have at least two symptoms affecting at least two different organ systems (Lifschitz C. and Szajewska H 2015; Høst & Halken 1990; Høst et al 1994).

Therefore, it is important to consider the individual child as well as the magnitude of their symptoms. This can be achieved using an awareness tool such as the Cow’s Milk Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS®) which will help you determine if CMPA might be indicated (Vandenplas et al 2015;Vandenplas et al 2022).