What is the most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in the United States?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is indeed recognized as the most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in the United States. This functional gastrointestinal disorder is characterized by a group of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, which can vary from diarrhea to constipation.

The prevalence of IBS is significant, affecting millions of people and often leading to chronic and recurrent sensations of discomfort. Its exact etiology is not fully understood but is thought to involve a combination of gastrointestinal motility issues, visceral hypersensitivity, and alterations in the gut microbiome, among other factors.

In contrast, the other conditions listed, while they may also cause abdominal pain, do not have the same frequency or chronic nature associated with recurrent episodes seen in IBS. For example, gastric ulcers and gallbladder disease typically manifest with more acute or specific episodes of pain, often linked to identifiable triggers, such as diet or stress. Appendicitis usually presents as acute pain requiring surgical intervention and is not characterized by recurrent pain in the way that IBS is. Therefore, IBS stands out as the leading cause of recurrent abdominal pain due to its chronic and pervasive nature affecting a large population.