Chronic abdominal pain in children.

BACKGROUND

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is common in childhood and often causes significant disruption to daily life. It is most often due to a nonorganic/functional gastrointestinal disorder.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents information to assist in differentiating between nonorganic and organic causes of CAP. It stresses the importance of functional abdominal pain as a common clinical entity which needs active diagnosis and management.

DISCUSSION: Chronic abdominal pain is pain that occurs continuously or recurrently over a period of time. A thorough history and examination together with an event diary, recognition of 'alarm' symptoms and signs and appropriate investigation will assist in identifying patients with organic disease. A diagnosis of functional abdominal pain allows both the physician and family to focus on understanding the brain-gut interaction, avoid unnecessary investigations and implement appropriate pain management strategies.