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Chronic Pediatric Pain in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Camila B Walters1, J Matthew Kynes2, Jenna Sobey3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37209, USA. camila.walters@vanderbilt.edu.
Insights
Chronic pediatric pain is a significant global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where access to adequate pain management services is severely limited, leaving many children untreated and suffering.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Global Health
Background:
- Chronic pain significantly impacts pediatric patients' quality of life, leading to mental health issues and functional decline.
- The burden of chronic pediatric pain is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Inadequate or nonexistent pain services in LMICs result in a large population of children with chronic pain remaining untreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the burden of chronic pediatric pain in LMICs.
- To identify barriers to accessing pain treatment for children in these regions.
- To examine current strategies and efforts for treating pediatric chronic pain in LMICs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies focusing on chronic pediatric pain in LMICs.
- Analysis of data regarding prevalence, treatment barriers, and existing interventions.
- Synthesis of findings to highlight the scope of the problem and potential solutions.
Main Results:
- Significant gaps exist in pain management services for children with chronic pain in LMICs.
- Key barriers include lack of trained personnel, insufficient resources, and limited awareness.
- Many children in LMICs with chronic pain receive no or inadequate treatment, leading to prolonged suffering.
Conclusions:
- Prioritizing awareness and advocacy for pediatric chronic pain in LMICs is crucial.
- Urgent development and implementation of accessible pain management strategies are needed for this vulnerable population.
- Addressing the identified barriers is essential to improve outcomes for children suffering from chronic pain in LMICs.
Abstract:
Chronic pain is a serious health concern and potentially debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, reduced productivity and functionality, and poor quality of life. This condition can be even more detrimental and incapacitating in the pediatric patient population. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), pain services are often inadequate or unavailable, leaving most of the world's pediatric population with chronic pain untreated. Many of these children in LMICs are suffering without treatment, and often die in pain. Awareness and advocacy for this population must be prioritized. We reviewed the available literature on the chronic pediatric pain burden in LMICs, barriers to treatments, and current efforts to treat these patients.
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Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...