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Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood

Fang Kuan Chiou1, Choon How How, Christina Ong

  • 1Gastroenterology Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Singapore Medical Journal
|April 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent abdominal pain in children is often a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Management focuses on education, reassurance, and returning to normal activities, with psychological therapies for persistent cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Recurrent abdominal pain is a common pediatric issue, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • It is frequently linked to functional gastrointestinal disorders rather than organic pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic approach to recurrent abdominal pain in children.
  • To describe current therapeutic strategies, emphasizing non-pharmacological methods.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis relies on comprehensive history and physical examination.
  • Alarm symptoms (e.g., weight loss, bleeding) necessitate further investigation and specialist referral.

Main Results:

  • Functional disorders are common; diagnosis is often clinical.
  • Education, reassurance, and avoidance of triggers are primary treatments.
  • Pharmacological therapy has limited evidence and should be time-limited.

Conclusions:

  • The main goal of treatment is functional recovery and return to daily activities.
  • Psychological interventions like cognitive behavior therapy are effective for refractory cases.

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