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Recurrent abdominal pain in children: a clinical approach
1Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. senghock_quak@nuhs.edu.sg.
Insights
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is defined by pain lasting at least three months, impacting daily life. Despite advances, functional issues remain the most frequent cause of RAP in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common pediatric condition.
- Defining RAP involves pain duration and frequency, impacting daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition and common causes of recurrent abdominal pain in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the definition and etiology of RAP.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and common causes.
Main Results:
- RAP is characterized by at least three months of pain with at least three episodes severe enough to affect daily activities.
- Advances in medical technology have identified more organic causes of abdominal pain.
- Functional disorders remain the predominant cause of RAP in pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the definition and causes of RAP is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
- While organic causes are increasingly identified, functional etiology is most prevalent in children with RAP.
Abstract:
The term 'recurrent abdominal pain', or RAP, refers mainly to the duration of painful period and frequency of pain. The commonly accepted duration is at least three months in the preceding period, and over this three-month period, there are at least three episodes of pain that are severe enough to affect the daily activities of the affected patients. Over the years, with advances in medical technology and better understanding of the pathophysiology of abdominal pain, more and more organic causes have been identified. However, the most common cause of RAP in children is still functional in origin.
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