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Review
. 2011 Apr;108(17):295-304.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2011.0295. Epub 2011 Apr 29.

Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood

Philip Bufler  1 , Martina Gross, Holm H Uhlig
Affiliations
Review

Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood

Philip Bufler et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2011 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Chronic, recurrent abdominal pain is common among children and adolescents. It interferes with everyday life, causes absence from school, and leads to frequent medical consultations, often involving burdensome diagnostic testing and protracted attempts at treatment.

Method: Selective review of the literature.

Results: Organic causes should be ruled out with a thorough medical history and physical examination and a small number of laboratory tests. The pediatric Rome III criteria include valid diagnostic criteria for functional abdominal pain in childhood. The available data imply that this condition is best treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, rather than with medications or dietary measures.

Conclusion: A systematic approach to chronic recurrent abdominal pain in children and adolescents is key to ruling out organic diseases while avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Diagnostic algorithm for the assessment of abdominal pain in childhood and adolescence (as practiced at the authors’ institutions)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Fecal biomarkers.
    Dorlöchter L. Dorlöchter L. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012 Feb;109(6):110. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2012.0110a. Epub 2012 Feb 10. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2012. PMID: 22396711 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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