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Published on: August 13, 2015
[Functional childhood gastrointestinal disorders. I. Chronic abdominal pain]
R van Ginkel1, H A Büller, H S Heymans
1Academisch Medisch Centrum/Emma Kinderziekenhuis, afd. Kindergastro-enterologie en voeding, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam.
Insights
Chronic abdominal pain affects 17% of children, peaking at age 7. Diagnosis relies on thorough history and physical exams, with explanation and reassurance being key to successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Functional Abdominal Pain Syndromes
- Childhood Digestive Health
Context:
- Chronic abdominal pain is prevalent in 17% of children aged 0-14 years.
- A peak incidence of 33% is observed at 7 years of age.
- Rome II criteria classify disorders including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, abdominal migraine, and aerophagia.
Purpose:
- To outline the classification of functional abdominal pain syndromes in children.
- To emphasize the importance of diagnostic workup and treatment strategies.
- To improve the diagnosis and management of pediatric chronic abdominal pain.
Summary:
- Chronic abdominal pain affects a significant portion of the pediatric population.
- Accurate diagnosis involves detailed history taking and physical examination.
- Effective treatment strategies focus on explanation, reassurance, and appropriate management.
Impact:
- Aims to refine the diagnosis of functional abdominal pain syndromes in children.
- Facilitates the development of more effective treatment approaches.
- Highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach for pediatric chronic abdominal pain.
Abstract:
Chronic abdominal pain occurs in 17% of children aged 0-14 years with a peak of 33% at the age of 7 years. According to the Rome II criteria abdominal pain disorders can be classified as functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, abdominal migraine, and aerophagia. This new classification will hopefully lead to a more careful diagnosis of functional abdominal pain syndromes and to better treatment strategies. A thorough history taking and physical examination are the cornerstone of diagnostic workup in children with chronic abdominal pain. An extensive explanation and reassurance are the basis of an adequate treatment and in the majority of cases this is successful.
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