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Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
Like irritable bowel syndrome’s more mysterious cousin, chronic functional abdominal pain is a nuisance that affects many. With no specific cause that can be underlined, this can be a tricky condition to cope with.
The first problem is diagnosis; as the main symptom is generalized abdominal pain, it can be mistaken for a host of other issues.
Definition of Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
If experiencing general abdominal pain, it can be difficult to decipher what type of gastrointestinal disorder could be the culprit. Many mirror each other in symptoms. The definition of chronic functional abdominal pain is nearly constant, ongoing abdominal pain that lasts six months or longer. There may be some difficulty in performing usual daily activities, but no relation to digestive issues or changes in bowel movements.
Symptoms of Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
- Continuous abdominal pain
- Some loss of daily function
- No relationship between the pain and other digestive events
Because chronic functional abdominal pain is not associated with food or defecation, it distinguishes itself from the other gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or dyspepsia. The causes between this disorder and the others are vastly different, hence the difference in symptoms.
Causes of Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
This disorder is closely linked with emotional issues and the nervous system. An individual experiencing chronic functional abdominal pain feels all movements in the abdomen as a painful, unpleasant sensation, as nerves are amplified.
Recent stressful events, such as death in the family, divorce, a move, or unemployment, can contribute. In addition, there are other mainly psychological disorders that have been shown to have a high correlation with this condition.
Other Diseases Linked to Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Somatization Disorder
Chronic abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms of depression, and the two are often closely linked. This makes psychiatric treatment or general stress reduction important, to address these causes.
Treatment for Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain
Fighting this condition calls for a two-pronged approach. A combination of medication and relaxation techniques or psychology helps battle stress and with it, diminishes or eliminates chronic functional abdominal pain.
Medications
There are over the counter medications that can help with the physical symptoms of chronic functional abdominal pain. To fight the psychological causes behind this, stress and anxiety, some doctors suggest prescribing antidepressants or other anticonvulsive medications.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress is one of the main culprits behind chronic functional abdominal pain, and as such, should be addressed directly. There are a number of relaxation and coping techniques that fight the psychological causes of this condition. Talking to a psychologist could be beneficial in battling issues that are stressful.
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy
- Meditation
Finally, there are some coping techniques that can help minimize discomfort and help a person regain control over their symptoms. Keeping a journal throughout the day and jotting down changes in pain levels can indicate what triggers the pain or makes it worse, leading to individual paths to relief.
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