Chronic pain in children and adolescents: a review

Huda Abu-Saad Huijer1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Lebanon. hh35@aub.edu.lb

Insights

Chronic pain in children is rising, affecting physical and emotional health. This review examines its prevalence and associated factors to improve understanding and care for pediatric chronic pain.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric medicine
  • Pain management
  • Child psychology

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of chronic pain in children and adolescents.
  • Significant impact on children's physical functioning, psychological, and emotional well-being.
  • Burden on family caregivers, affecting emotional, social, and family functioning, alongside financial strain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing literature on the prevalence of chronic pain in children and adolescents.
  • To identify and analyze factors associated with pediatric chronic pain.
  • To enhance understanding of the etiology of chronic pain in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric chronic pain.
  • Analysis of prevalence data.
  • Identification of associated risk and contributing factors.

Main Results:

  • Chronic pain significantly impacts children's daily lives and well-being.
  • Caregivers experience substantial burden, including emotional and financial distress.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the causes of pediatric chronic pain.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic pain in children is a growing concern with wide-ranging effects.
  • Understanding associated factors is crucial for effective management and support.
  • This review highlights the need for continued research into the etiology and impact of pediatric chronic pain.

Related Concept Videos

Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Nociception01:44

Nociception

Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain. Thus, pain helps the...