[Recurrent stomach complaints in children]

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M Ashorn1

  • 1Kliniken för barnsjukdomar, Tammerfors universitetssjukhus, Tammerfors universitet.

Nordisk Medicin
|March 14, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent gastro-intestinal complaints in children are common, with up to 50% having treatable causes like lactose intolerance or gastritis. Diagnosis and treatment, including dietary changes, can often be managed in outpatient clinics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Context:

  • Gastro-intestinal complaints are a leading reason for pediatric medical consultations.
  • Sophisticated diagnostic methods reveal treatable causes in up to 50% of cases.

Purpose:

  • To review common causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatments for recurrent gastro-intestinal complaints in children.
  • To highlight the role of dietary, pharmacological, and psychosomatic factors.

Summary:

  • Common causes include lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and gastritis.
  • Diagnosis can often be achieved through outpatient clinic investigations and history taking.
  • Treatment strategies involve dietary elimination, prokinetic agents, antibiotics, and addressing psychosomatic mechanisms.

Impact:

  • Provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing pediatric gastro-intestinal issues.
  • Emphasizes the importance of identifying treatable organic and functional causes.
  • Underscores the evolving understanding of psychosomatic influences on childhood gastric pain.

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