Chronic abdominal pain in children

Pediatrics. 2005 Mar;115(3):812-5. doi: 10.1542/peds.2004-2497.

Abstract

Children and adolescents with chronic abdominal pain pose unique challenges to their caregivers. Affected children and their families experience distress and anxiety that can interfere with their ability to perform regular daily activities. Although chronic abdominal pain in children is usually attributable to a functional disorder rather than organic disease, numerous misconceptions, insufficient knowledge among health care professionals, and inadequate application of knowledge may contribute to a lack of effective management. This clinical report accompanies a technical report (see page e370 in this issue) on childhood chronic abdominal pain and provides guidance for the clinician in the evaluation and treatment of children with chronic abdominal pain. The recommendations are based on the evidence reviewed in the technical report and on consensus achieved among subcommittee members.

Publication types

  • Guideline
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Abdominal Pain / physiopathology
  • Abdominal Pain / psychology
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Colonic Diseases, Functional / diagnosis*
  • Colonic Diseases, Functional / physiopathology
  • Colonic Diseases, Functional / psychology
  • Enteric Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / complications
  • Hyperalgesia / diagnosis
  • Pain Threshold
  • Visceral Afferents / physiopathology