Vol 37, (6) 398–400
Chronic abdominal pain in children
Leonie Gray MBBS, FRACP, is Senior Paediatrician VMO, Rockhampton Hospital, Queensland.
BACKGROUND Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is common in childhood and often causes significant disruption to daily life. It is most often due to a nonorganic/functional gastrointestinal disorder.
OBJECTIVE This article presents information to assist in differentiating between nonorganic and organic causes of CAP. It stresses the importance of functional abdominal pain as a common clinical entity which needs active diagnosis and management.
DISCUSSION Chronic abdominal pain is pain that occurs continuously or recurrently over a period of time. A thorough history and examination together with an event diary, recognition of ‘alarm’ symptoms and signs and appropriate investigation will assist in identifying patients with organic disease. A diagnosis of functional abdominal pain allows both the physician and family to focus on understanding the brain-gut interaction, avoid unnecessary investigations and implement appropriate pain management strategies.
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