What is a common cause of abdominal pain in pediatric patients?

Gastroenteritis is a common cause of abdominal pain in pediatric patients primarily due to its prevalence as a viral or bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Children are particularly susceptible to infections that cause gastroenteritis, which can manifest with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The combination of inflammation and irritability of the gastrointestinal tract results in significant abdominal discomfort, making gastroenteritis a frequent diagnosis in pediatrics.

While appendicitis, gallstones, and constipation can also cause abdominal pain, they are not as commonly encountered as gastroenteritis in pediatric populations. Appendicitis, although serious and requiring surgical intervention, has a narrower clinical presentation and is less frequent in younger children compared to gastroenteritis. Gallstones tend to occur more often in older children and adolescents, particularly those with certain risk factors. Constipation is a common issue, but it typically presents with more chronic pain patterns rather than the acute abdominal pain commonly associated with gastroenteritis.