Abstract

Background: Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a common condition and is often associated with significant health care utilization and impact on the quality of life. A functional aetiology, particularly, Functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS) in adults has psychosocial comorbidity and is a less extensively studied condition than other common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, this study attempts to evaluate the patients with FAPS and to obtain a data for FAPS in adolescents and adults in a population from North India. Methods: 150 patients in the age-group of 10-60 years with chronic abdominal pain were selected. A careful history, clinical examination and investigations were performed to find the aetiology. Results: 105 out of 150 patients with CAP were found to be having underlying organic causes. FAPS was diagnosed in 3 patients (2%) on the basis of Rome III diagnostic criteria. The treatment of FAPS was commenced with a biopsychosocial approach with emphasis on an effective doctor-patient relationship and specific measures. Conclusion: CAP has an extensive aetiology, yet a detailed history coupled with a complete physical examination and investigative profile help to a great extent in diagnosing the cause. FAPS should be diagnosed on the basis of a careful clinical history and characteristic pain behaviour during physical examination and only targeted investigations should be undertaken.