Dyspepsia in Children: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Causes

Abstract

Chronic abdominal pain is the most common gastrointestinal symptom in children. According to the definition of Apley and Nash, recurrent abdominal pain occurs in more than three episodes over more than 3 months and is severe enough to affect daily activities of a child [1]. As in majority of children with chronic abdominal pain no clear structural or biochemical pathology can be found, the term “pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders” has replaced the old term “chronic abdominal pain” [2, 3]. After the original definition, subgroups of the disorder have been described and according to the “Rome III” criteria a clinician can differentiate between functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, and functional abdominal pain (syndrome) (Table 15.1) [2]. Visceral sensation, hormonal changes, inflammation, motility disturbances, and psychological factors have all been suggested as contributory factors [3]. Despite the fact that disorders are by definition functional, symptoms may persist for years and the reported quality of life of children may be similar to children with inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) [4].