External Influences On Paediatric Abdominal Pain: A Holistic View May Help

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal pain should always be treated as aserious complaint by the clinician due to the large proportion of potentially serious medical conditions which can present with abdominal pain. However, a large proportion of children will not haveany significant disease processes underway. This study focuses on extrinsic factors which may be associated with abdominal pain presentations to help elucidate appropriate management. METHODS: Prospective study. A survey was administered to children and their parents, presenting to casualty for assessment of abdominal pain. Questions related to the patient and their family. Information obtained related to the child’s health, social/family dynamics and family history were obtained. RESULTS: 97 surveys were conducted. There was an equal sex distribution. Mean age was 11. The three most common diagnoses were of Benign pain, Mesenteric adenitisand Appendicitis. There was a peak in winter presentations for those with benign pain. 27% of children with benign pain had parents who smoked. Inflammatory conditions were common with 38% and 28% of children,having family histories of asthma and eczema respectively. 9% had a history of IBS and Coeliac disease. No differences between the sexes were observed. CONCLUSION Children presenting to hospital with abdominal pain have a higher prevalence of parental smoking, eczema, asthma and migraine. There is a peak incidence in benign presentations during winter. Even in children with significant extrinsic influences, appendicitis was the third most common diagnosis, mandating thorough evaluation for all children with abdominal pain no matter the background circumstances. Show more