Navigating recurrent abdominal pain through clinical clues, red flags, and initial testing. Pediatr Ann 2009 May;38(5):259-66
Date
05/30/2009Pubmed ID
19476298DOI
10.9999/00904481-20090422-03Scopus ID
2-s2.0-67149122411 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 16 CitationsAbstract
Recurrent abdominal pain is a common chronic complaint that presents to your office. The constant challenge is one of detecting those with organic disease from the majority who have a functional pain disorder including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, and abdominal migraine. Beginning with a detailed history and physical exam, you can: 1) apply the symptom-based Rome III criteria to positively identify a functional disorder, and 2) filter these findings through the diagnostic clues and red flags that point toward specific organic disease and/or further testing. Once a functional diagnosis has been made or an organic disease is suspected, you can initiate a self-limited empiric therapeutic trial. With this diagnostic approach, you should feel confident navigating through the initial evaluation, management, and consultation referral for a child or adolescent with recurrent abdominal pain.
Author List
Noe JD, Li BUAuthor
Joshua D. Noe MD Associate Dean, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Abdominal PainBarium Sulfate
Biomarkers
Child
Child, Preschool
Contrast Media
Endoscopy, Digestive System
Feces
Humans
Medical History Taking
Pediatrics
Physical Examination
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Recurrence
