Chronic functional abdominal pain - Definition

Chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP) is the ongoing presence of abdominal pain for which there is no physical explanation. It is similar to, but less common than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In CFAP, there is no change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea as in IBS. CFAP is characterized by chronic pain, with no physical explanation. It is theorized that CFAP is a disorder of the nervous system where normal nerve impulses are amplified "like a stereo system turned up too loud" resulting in pain. Low doses of antidepressants have been found useful in controlling the pain of CFAP.

External links

• Chronic Functional Abdominal Pain (http://www.aboutibs.org/Publications/CFAP.html) - International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.
• Chronic Intractable Abdominal Pain (http://www.medical-objects.com/bgc/Handouts/ciap.htm) - Buderim Gastroenterology Centre