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Summary
Recurrent abdominal pain in children has various causes, including structural and functional issues. Functional abdominal pain, possibly from an irritable colon, affects a significant number of school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Childhood Disorders
Context:
- Recurrent abdominal pain is a common pediatric complaint.
- Causes range from congenital malformations to acquired conditions.
Purpose:
- To outline the differential diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain in children.
- To highlight the prevalence of functional abdominal pain.
Summary:
- In neonates, structural issues like malformations are key.
- Infants may present with chronic inflammation or obstructions (adhesions, intussusceptions, volvulus).
- Appendicitis, lymphadenitis, Crohn's disease, and Colitis ulcerosa are seen in older children, but functional pain, likely irritable colon, affects 12-14% of school-aged children.
Impact:
- Provides a diagnostic framework for clinicians.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering functional disorders.
- Contributes to understanding the epidemiology of pediatric abdominal pain.