The clinical approach to chronic abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in children

Minerva Pediatr. 2010 Apr;62(2):179-87.

Abstract

Chronic recurrent abdominal pain is a common complaint evaluated by pediatricians, and a cause of concern for children and parents. Population and school based studies have reported that approximately 8% of children experience chronic abdominal pain. About half of these children will contact a physician about their pain. These children report reduced quality of life and interferences with school and play due to their pain. The large majority of children will not have a readily identified cause for their symptoms, and chronic abdominal pain is frequently classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID). The below case study illustrates the presentation, evaluation, and clinical management of a child with chronic abdominal pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / therapy