Introduction Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs ), also called “disorders of gut-brain interaction,” commonly affect 25% of children and infants globally. Akin to those in adults, pediatric FAPDs are sub-classified according to the Rome IV criteria into various diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified ( FAP-NOS) . Our understanding of the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of FAPDs is evolving.
It involves the components of the intestine ( inflammation, motility, and the microbiota) , central factors (psychological dimensions, sensitization, and/or connectivity differences in some regions of the brain) as well as extrinsic factors (infections). Additionally, the disruption of the microbiota-gut-brain axis is also important. This article provides a current review of the pediatric FAPDs in terms of…
