4. Abdominal Pain: The Misleading Complaint
Abdominal pain in children with Addison’s is a chameleon. It mimics many gastrointestinal complaints, from indigestion to a possible stomach bug. But this pain is persistent. It gnaws at the child, coming in waves that pain relievers don’t seem to touch. It’s not just a bellyache that can be soothed with a warm compress or a day home from school.
This pain often coincides with nausea and a loss of appetite. Children might push their plate away, claiming their stomach hurts. It’s confusing when there’s no fever, no vomiting — just this insistent ache that makes them double over.
This symptom often leads to a carousel of pediatric appointments and tests. It’s elusive, often attributed to stress or diet. Yet, the root lies in the dwindling supply of cortisol, which is critical for gut health and digestion.
Parents become amateur detectives, tracking food intake, and stress levels, trying to find the culprit. But the real answer is in the faltering adrenal function, hidden beneath layers of misdirection. (4)
