European and North American guidelines for treating irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain in childhood: a guide for health-care professionals

Abstract

Abdominal pain-related disorders of gut–brain interaction (AP-DGBI; including irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified, abdominal migraine, and functional dyspepsia) are very common among children and adolescents worldwide. Two of these disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified, have high rates of school absenteeism, psychological comorbidities, and chronicity into adulthood. A wide range of psychosocial, dietary, and pharmacological treatments have been explored for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain—not otherwise specified in children. However, the evidence remains broad but shallow, limiting certainty about the effectiveness of specific therapies. This Health Policy translates the new evidence-based treatment guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified produced by the European and North American societies for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition into practical guidance for general paediatricians and primary care providers. This Health Policy aims to empower clinicians at all levels of care to make informed, evidence-based decisions through a shared decision-making approach tailored to the management of children with irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified.