What is chronic abdominal pain?

When there is persistent or recurrent episodes of abdominal pain (in the belly or stomach), and it lasts for more than three months, it is called chronic abdominal pain. Any functional disorder or Crohn’’s disease could be the cause of abdominal pain.

The doctors do not yet know some identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities and functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome causes. If your child experiences chronic abdominal pain, visit a child surgery hospital in Pune for the treatment.

What causes chronic abdominal pain?

Your child may be in deep pain due to an underlying, identifiable condition (e.g., Crohn's disease). Sometimes, doctors aren't able to diagnose what causes the pain. But that doesn't mean that the pain is not real.

Though the exact cause is unknown, the gut becomes more sensitive to triggers that usually do not cause significant pain; and get triggered by nerve signals or chemicals secreted by the gut or brain. The change in the bowel function and this type of abdominal pain is often referred to as "functional abdominal pain."

Who gets chronic abdominal pain?

There are usually two peaks of frequency for recurrent abdominal pain which occurs prior to puberty. The first peak starts between 5 to 7 years of age, with similar frequency in boys and girls and in 5 to 8% of children.

The second peak occurs between 8 and 12 years of age, occurring in nearly 25% of children and is far more common in girls. In this case, the child usually has a family history of functional bowel disease such as irritable bowel syndrome.

What Signs to look out for Chronic Abdominal Pain?

Chronic abdominal pain is a vague pain that is located around the umbilicus (belly button), and the exact location cannot always be determined with this pain.

Sometimes, the pain may occur in severity or suddenly. Some children with chronic abdominal pain may suffer from dyspepsia, or upper abdominal pain linked with nausea, vomiting and/or a feeling of fullness after just a few bites.

Chronic abdominal pain can also be accompanied by involuntary features such as nausea, pallor, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.

The Pediatric doctor in Pune can correctly gauge the symptoms of chronic abdominal pain and provide treatment.

What tests are used to diagnose chronic abdominal pain?

Your child with abdominal pain will have to undergo a full workup by a gastroenterologist. After the gastroenterologist diagnosis, a pediatric doctor will treat the child for pain management.

Due to chronic abdominal pain, your child's functions and quality of life is impeded. We will treat your child who has been evaluated and treated by a gastroenterologist referred to a multidisciplinary team of specialists if no conclusive diagnosis is formed at any stage. Our experts understand the biopsychosocial model of pain and also comprehend the complex interplay of the psychological, individual, biological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to and sustain chronic abdominal pain symptoms and subsequent disability.

How do we treat chronic abdominal pain?

The child will be physically examined in terms of weight, growth velocity, height, pubertal stage, and blood pressure. The Best doctor in Pune will look out for the location, rebound, mass, and psoas sign in Liver, spleen and renal size, ascites, and flank pain. The doctor may also order some rectal and pelvic examinations, stool testing for occult blood.

For the management of chronic abdominal pain in children, the doctor will take into account the contribution of social factors, psychological factors, and biological processes. The doctor's focus will be on ensuring that your child returns back to his/her regular routine.

The aim of managing chronic abdominal pain is to offer a satisfactory quality of life through medical interventions, education, and better coping skills and support.

If chronic abdominal pain is significantly limiting the daily routine and quality of life, some children may benefit from medications. These medications include muscle relaxants, antispasmodic medicines, and neuropathic agents.

Also, you can try some psychological treatments from the Best hospital in Pune that will help your child cope with functional abdominal pain, and other stressors include relaxation exercises, behavioral therapy, and hypnosis.