Recurrent abdominal pain in children: a clinical approach

Abstract

The term 'recurrent abdominal pain', or RAP, refers mainly to the duration of painful period and frequency of pain. The commonly accepted duration is at least three months in the preceding period, and over this three-month period, there are at least three episodes of pain that are severe enough to affect the daily activities of the affected patients. Over the years, with advances in medical technology and better understanding of the pathophysiology of abdominal pain, more and more organic causes have been identified. However, the most common cause of RAP in children is still functional in origin.

Abdominal migraine

“…Schematic approach to managing abdominal migraine (adapted from Rome III,1619 Rome IV9 and ICHD-3 classifications,7 and Quek, 201520)…”

Experts’ opinion about the primary headache diagnostic criteria of the ICHD-3rd edition beta in children and adolescents

“…For most physicians, selecting the appropriate diagnostic modality is difficult. Often, there is a positive family history of migraine and evidence suggesting that RAP is a precursor of migraine headache, and primarily a comorbid pain disorder in preadolescent patients [ 37 ].…”

Retrospective study recommends endoscopy when diagnosing lymphocytic colitis or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder in children with abdominal pain

“…Abdominal pain in children is a common paediatric issue, and a prevalence of 71.1% has been reported in children and adolescents aged 3–17 over a three‐month period . Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) refers to a period of at least three months with episodes of pain that are severe enough to affect daily activities of the affected individual . With advances in medical technology and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of abdominal pain, more and more organic causes may be identified.…”

“…The severity and frequency of pain is not related to aetiology. However, the most common cause of RAP in children is still of functional origin .…”