Chronic abdominal pain in children.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rockhampton Hospital, Queensland. grayl@iinet.net.au
Leonie
L
Gray
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000367:Age Factors; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence