Chronic abdominal pain in children

Abstract

Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood, is classically defined as three or more episodes of pain severe enough to interfere with daily activities over the span of more than three months. It is a common presenting complaint to both general practice and pediatricians with a prevalence of 10-15 % of school age children. However an organic underlying disorder is rare; most studies suggest in the order of 5-10%. The clinical characteristics that facilities the recognition of children who are more likely to harbor organic disease are therefore important to the practicing primary care provider and pediatricians in order to avoid unnecessary, costly and invasive investigations.