Table 4.

Family Physicians’ Management During Consecutive Visits for Incident Cases of Nonspecific Abdominal Pain

Management1st Visit (n=1,480)2nd Visit (n=324)≥3 Visits (n=184)
NSAID=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
a Percentages from the total number of visits with a prescription.
Prescription, No. (%)260 (17.6)90 (27.8)75 (40.8)
    Drugs for acid-related disorders, %a13.14.41.3
    Antispasmodics, %a29.226.724.0
    Laxatives, %a25.032.237.3
    Osmotic laxatives (lactulose), %a11.215.610
    Bulking agents (psyllium), %a12.714.414.0
    Others, %a1.22.04.0
    Painkillers NSAIDs, %a5.414.414.7
    Painkillers Analgesics, %a3.84.45.3
    Anti-infective agents, %a6.95.61.3
Additional testing, No. (% )16 (1.1)9 (2.8)0
Referral, No. (% )45 (3.0)19 (5.6)5 (2.7)
    Pediatrician583
    Surgeon2420
    Radiology010
    Psychiatrist100
    Gynecologist211
    Cardiologist110
    Urologist010
    Physiotherapist220
    Dietician210
    Unknown211
    Other610