[Summary of the NHG guideline 'Abdominal pain in children', the 100th NHG guideline].

The Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) guideline 'Abdominal pain in children' was published in September 2012. The guideline distinguishes between children with acute abdominal pain (≤ 1 week) and chronic abdominal pain (> 1 week). Abdominal pain can be caused by an underlying somatic condition or can have a functional nature. The chance of finding a somatic cause is far higher in children with acute abdominal pain than in children with chronic abdominal pain. In children with acute pain the emphasis is on diagnosis, whereas in children with chronic pain it is on treatment. Additional investigations in children without indications for a somatic cause can be limited to urinary investigation. Most children with functional abdominal pain can be treated by their GP. This treatment consists of explanation and advice to the patient and his or her parents, with the aim of providing reassurance. In children with continued severe functional abdominal pain, consultation with or possible referral to the paediatrician is advised.